One of the hallmarks of a profession is the framework of values that underpin the work of practitioners in the sector.
CILIP has developed a set of Ethical Principles and a Code of Professional Practice for Library and Information Professionals. They are available as web versions and downloads.
Download PDF version of the
Ethical Principles
Download PDF version of the
Code of Professional Practice
On these web pages you will find:
Ethics Blog
The Information Ethics Blog offers a point of reference for CILIP members to relate their practical experiences to the Institute's Ethical Principles and Code of Professional Practice. It provides case studies arising from the Principles and Code and encourages member discussion of ethical dilemmas in the workplace.
You need to log in or register with the CILIP website to access this blog.
Ethics Panel
CILIP also has an Ethics Panel, currently chaired by Margaret Watson, to keep the Ethical Principles and Code of Professional Practice under review and to be a source of confidential advice to members facing ethical issues in their work.
A consideration of ethical issues is an essential quality of the 'reflective' practitioner. There are rarely right or wrong answers to ethical dilemmas but more often balances that have to be found between conflicting principles.
If you have any queries relating to professional ethics, contact CILIP's Ethics Panel: ethics@cilip.org.uk.