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| module_6_ethics_and_legislation_ref-ex [2022/01/13 21:49] – ellen.forsyth_sl.nsw.gov.au | module_6_ethics_and_legislation_ref-ex [2024/03/10 20:19] (current) – ita_hanssens |
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| ==== Ethics ==== | ==== Ethics ==== |
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| The [[https://www.alia.org.au/|Australian Library and Information Association]] (ALIA) has published a [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-professional-conduct-policy-statement|code of professional conduct]] and a [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|set of core values]] that all library employees should understand. This code of conduct and set of core values helps us to preserve our patrons' right to privacy, to fair and equitable treatment, and helps ensure that people who need information have access to it. This code applies to all aspects of library service including collection development and circulation. The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) has a useful [[https://www.ifla.org/faife/professional-codes-of-ethics-for-librarians|professional code of ethics for librarians]] which is available to read in several languages. | The [[https://www.alia.org.au/|Australian Library and Information Association]] (ALIA) has published a [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-professional-conduct-policy-statement|professional conduct policy statement]] and a [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|core values policy statement]] that all library employees should understand. This code of conduct and set of core values helps us to preserve our patrons' right to privacy, to fair and equitable treatment, and helps ensure that people who need information have access to it. This code applies to all aspects of library service including collection development and circulation. The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) has a useful [[https://www.ifla.org/faife/professional-codes-of-ethics-for-librarians|professional code of ethics for librarians]] which is available to read in several languages. |
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| These codes are guidelines only. Many of the issues are complex, and there are not always easy answers to every situation. You should be familiar with your own library/council policies and procedures. Please check with your supervisor if you are not sure how to handle a situation. | These codes are guidelines only. Many of the issues are complex, and there are not always easy answers to every situation. You should be familiar with your own library/council policies and procedures. Please check with your supervisor if you are not sure how to handle a situation. |
| [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-professional-conduct-policy-statement|ALIA Statement on Professional Conduct]] adopted 2001, revised 2018. | [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-professional-conduct-policy-statement|ALIA Statement on Professional Conduct]] adopted 2001, revised 2018. |
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| Your council will have a code of conduct. You need to be aware of what is contained in this policy and your obligations as a council employee. See {{ ::42507-2016_tamworth_regional_council_code_of_conduct_1_.pdf |Tamworth Council's Code of Conduct.}}. | Your council will have a code of conduct. You need to be aware of what is contained in this policy and your obligations as a council employee. See {{ ::42507-2016_tamworth_regional_council_code_of_conduct_1_.pdf |Tamworth Regional Council's Code of Conduct.}}. |
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| **ALIA Statement of Core Values** | **ALIA Statement of Core Values** |
| [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|ALIA Statement of Core Values]] Adopted 2002, amended 2018. | [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|ALIA Statement of Core Values]] Adopted 2002, amended 2018. |
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| * Free access to basic reference services [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1939-040|Library Act 1939]] | * Free access to basic reference services [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1939-040|Library Act 1939]] Part 3 Division 2 10 (e) |
| * [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|ALIA core values statement]] | * [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|ALIA core values statement]] |
| * [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2018-0472|NSW Library Regulation 2018]] | * [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2018-0472|NSW Library Regulation 2018]] |
| 2. Describe in your own words how each of the following ethics guidelines affects or applies to reference work in your library. Does your library's reference policy reflect these policies or statements? | 2. Describe in your own words how each of the following ethics guidelines affects or applies to reference work in your library. Does your library's reference policy reflect these policies or statements? |
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| * Free access to basic reference services [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1939-040|Library Act 1939]] | * Free access to basic reference services [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1939-040|Library Act 1939]] |
| * [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/alia-core-values-statement|ALIA core values statement]] | * [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|ALIA core values statement]] |
| * [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-free-access-information|ALIA statement on free access to information]] | * [[https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2018-0472|NSW Library Regulation 2018]] |
| * [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/library-and-information-services-people-disability|ALIA statement on library and information services for people with disabilities]] | * [[https://read.alia.org.au/guidelines-library-and-information-services-people-disabilities|ALIA statement on library and information services for people with disabilities]] |
| * [[https://atsilirn.aiatsis.gov.au/protocols.php|Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols for libraries, archives and information services]] | * [[https://atsilirn.aiatsis.gov.au/protocols.php|Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols for libraries, archives and information services]] |
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| ==== Free access to information ==== | ==== Free access to information ==== |
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| //The [[https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/accesstoinformation2007.pdf|Library Council of New South Wales Access to Information in New South Wales Public Libraries Guideline]] states that:// | //The [[https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/access_to_information_lcguideline_2023.pdf|Library Council of New South Wales Access to Information in New South Wales Public Libraries Guideline]] states that:// |
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| - A public library has a role as an unbiased source of information and ideas, including online content. It must accept responsibility for providing free access to materials and information presenting, as far as possible, all points of view on contemporary and historical issues, including controversial issues. | - A public library has a role as an unbiased source of information and ideas, including online content. It must accept responsibility for providing free access to materials and information presenting, as far as possible, all points of view on contemporary and historical issues, including controversial issues. |
| - Everyone has the right to use a public library in person, via the internet and by other means, whatever their age, sex, race, religion, cultural identity, language, disability, socioeconomic status, individual lifestyle, political allegiance or social views. | - Everyone has the right to use a public library in person, via the internet and by other means, whatever their age, sex, race, religion, cultural identity, language, disability, socioeconomic status, individual lifestyle, political allegiance or social views. |
| - Libraries should protect each user’s rights in regard to confidentiality and privacy. | - Libraries should protect each user’s rights in regard to confidentiality and privacy. |
| - Library clients must be sensitive to the values and beliefs of others when displaying potentially controversial information or images on computer screens located in public areas (see [[https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/accesstoinformation2007.pdf|Explanatory note]]). Where a client is found to be using computers to access pornographic, offensive or objectionable material, or for any unlawful purpose, the library reserves the right to direct the client to leave the library, to direct that the client not re-enter the library for a specified period and to report unlawful conduct to the relevant authorities. | - Library clients must be sensitive to the values and beliefs of others when displaying potentially controversial information or images on computer screens located in public areas (see [[https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/access_to_information_lcguideline_2023.pdf|Explanatory note]]). Where a client is found to be using computers to access pornographic, offensive or objectionable material, or for any unlawful purpose, the library reserves the right to direct the client to leave the library, to direct that the client not re-enter the library for a specified period and to report unlawful conduct to the relevant authorities. |
| - The Library Council does not support the use of censoring software as it inhibits free access to information (see 3) and it does not provide adequate protection for children from all material that may be harmful on the internet. Individual local councils may decide on the use of filtering software, and it is acknowledged that firewalls, anti-virus and ad blocking software are standard. However, if filtering censors certain sites, the library must ensure that people are not restricted from accessing lawful information. | - The Library Council does not support the use of censoring software as it inhibits free access to information (see 3) and it does not provide adequate protection for children from all material that may be harmful on the internet. Individual local councils may decide on the use of filtering software, and it is acknowledged that firewalls, anti-virus and ad blocking software are standard. However, if filtering censors certain sites, the library must ensure that people are not restricted from accessing lawful information. |
| - The Library Council supports the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to direct the use of the internet by their children. Parents and guardians who wish to limit or restrict access by their children should personally oversee their use of the internet and other forms of digital information. | - The Library Council supports the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to direct the use of the internet by their children. Parents and guardians who wish to limit or restrict access by their children should personally oversee their use of the internet and other forms of digital information. |
| - Librarians and other public library staff have a role in educating clients in the safe and informed use of the internet, guided by acceptable use policies. | - Librarians and other public library staff have a role in educating clients in the safe and informed use of the internet, guided by acceptable use policies. |
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| You can also consult the Australia Library and Information Association (ALIA) policy on [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-free-access-information|free access to information]] which states that: //Freedom can be protected in a democratic society only if individuals have unrestricted access to information and ideas//. | You can also consult the Australia Library and Information Association (ALIA) policy on [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-free-access-information-statement|free access to information]] which states that: //Freedom can be protected in a democratic society only if individuals have unrestricted access to information and ideas//. |
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| It continues by saying that: | It continues by saying that: |
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| [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-free-access-information|ALIA Statement on free access to information]] adopted 2001, reviewed 2018 | [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-free-access-information-statement|ALIA Statement on free access to information]] adopted 2001, reviewed 2018 |
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| **Related documents** | **Related documents** |
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| * [[https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html|Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] | * [[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights|Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] |
| * [[https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CCPR.aspx|Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] | * [[https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CCPR.aspx|Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] |
| * [[https://sdgs.un.org/goals|United National Sustainable Development Goals]] | * [[https://sdgs.un.org/goals|United National Sustainable Development Goals]] |
| **Exercises for free access to information** | **Exercises for free access to information** |
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| 1. How do your policies and service provision comply with the [[https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/accesstoinformation2007.pdf|Library Council of New South Wales Access to Information in New South Wales Public Libraries Guideline]] and [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-free-access-information|ALIA Statement on free access to information]]. | 1. How do your policies and service provision comply with the [[https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/access_to_information_lcguideline_2023.pdf|Library Council of New South Wales Access to Information in New South Wales Public Libraries Guideline]] and [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-free-access-information-statement|ALIA Statement on free access to information]]. |
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| 2. Check your Council's procedures for access to information. Are there different conditions for staff and members of the public? | 2. Check your Council's procedures for access to information. Are there different conditions for staff and members of the public? |
| ====Copyright==== | ====Copyright==== |
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| ALIA has a list of FAQ's relating to [[https://membership.alia.org.au/resources/copyright-faqs|copyright]] and the provision of library services. | The [[https://www.copyright.org.au/|Australian Copyright Council]] has many useful resources to help you understand copyright including some specifically [[https://www.copyright.org.au/search?page=1&category=LZI|for libraries]]. Others such as the [[https://www.copyright.org.au/browse/book/ACC-Duration-of-Copyright-INFO023|Duration of copyright]] are helpful guides for the general public as well as for people who work in libraries. |
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| * Consider the copyright restrictions on supplying information to patrons. | * Consider the copyright restrictions on supplying information to patrons. |
| * What can be copied according for research and study according to the [[https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2013C00145|Copyright Act 1968?]] | * What can be copied for research and study according to the [[https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2013C00145|Copyright Act 1968]]? |
| * What special provisions apply to libraries regarding copying material for patrons? | * What special provisions apply to libraries regarding copying material for patrons? |
| * Look at the licensing conditions on one of the library's subscription databases. | * Look at the licensing conditions on one of the library's subscription databases. |
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| Other helpful resources are available from the [[https://www.copyright.org.au/ACC/Find_an_Answer/ACC/Public_Content/Find_an_Answer.aspx?hkey=b0de2cd4-daa3-47da-95a5-1e7ecdc8dddc|Australian Copyright Council]]. Go to the [[https://www.copyright.org.au/ACC/Find_an_Answer/ACC/Public_Content/Find_an_Answer.aspx?hkey=b0de2cd4-daa3-47da-95a5-1e7ecdc8dddc|website]] and browse for //duration of copyright// and //libraries : introduction to copyright//. It is not possible to directly link to these useful resources. | |
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| {{ :wiki:stripe5_refex.jpg |}} | {{ :wiki:stripe5_refex.jpg |}} |
| ==== Respect for diversity and individuality ==== | ==== Respect for diversity and individuality ==== |
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| Point 5 of ALIA’s [[https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/alia-core-values-statement|Core Values Statement]] states | Point 5 of ALIA’s [[https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement|Core Values Statement]] states |
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| //Respect for the diversity, individuality and equality of all and recognition of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.// | //Respect for the diversity, individuality and equality of all and recognition of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.// |
