Oklahoma Library Association
Intellectual Freedom Handbook

As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.

The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.

1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

   The library profession expects its members to be competent, committed, dedicated individuals who care about providing a high level of service to their clients. In order to provide that service effectively, they must know their clients and be familiar with their needs and abilities. Based on this knowledge, they endeavor to select and develop an appropriate collection that is organized according to recognized bibliographic standards, to ensure not only physical or electronic access, but also intellectual access. Written policies and procedures ensure equitable circulation policies and service to all clients, regardless of age, background, or views. Skillful, accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests result from collection knowledge, careful reference interviews, and bibliographic instruction. Paraprofessionals and other library employees or volunteers are given appropriate training to familiarize them with all policies and procedures.

2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.

   We respect the freedom of library users to seek and obtain information and to participate in the dissemination of ideas, regardless of point of view expressed. Librarians have the unquestioned obligation to provide a representative selection of materials on all subjects of interest to readers, including each side of controversial issues. No material shall be eliminated from consideration in the collection simply because of language or frank treatment, verbal or illustrative, of certain situations which may be objectionable to some people. Librarians serve as the bridge between patrons and the materials and information that those clients desire; the duty of the librarian is to facilitate that interchange without bias. Any action on the part of a librarian to impede that flow shall be deemed inappropriate. Librarians must be consistently vigilant against groups and individuals attempting to impede that free flow of information by attempting to restrict or deny access to materials in any format. Accessibility is the responsibility which librarians have to their clients.

3. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

   As an institution basic to democratic society, libraries must preserve an atmosphere in which the patron’s access to information and search for knowledge are treated as matters of privacy. The right to privacy is a basic human right; abrogation of that right can damage the service role of a library and compromise the integrity of librarians. Information deemed confidential in nature is protected by Oklahoma law and includes circulation records, interlibrary loan requests, computer activity, reference questions, and other such professional services. Information gained by a librarian in serving a patron should be treated with confidentiality accorded by doctors and lawyers and shall be released only upon issuance of a court order or a subpoena in proper form and for demonstrable cause, or upon the request or granting of permission in writing by the patron. Library patrons have the right to be informed about the nature of records created and maintained and about their rights regarding the use of that information.

4. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.

   Authors, artists, musicians, and others who generate and disseminate ideas are legally entitled to certain protections regarding the use or reproduction of the results of their intellectual or creative efforts, including works from which they do not profit financially. As librarians, we recognize those rights, and so provide access to information within the bounds of copyright and other intellectual property laws. We seek to educate our patrons about key intellectual property issues, such as plagiarism of print or online resources or the illegal reproduction of protected digital information. We also recognize the fair use rights of our patrons, and encourage unfettered use of and access to intellectual property within the bounds of law.

5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.

   As a part of the social and intellectual human experience, libraries apply ethical standards and practices to ensure equality in all aspects of employment and work relationships. Employment-related decisions must be made on the basis of valid job-related criteria only and without respect to personal traits that are unrelated to job competency. Any discriminatory practices are unacceptable. In addition to following fair and equitable hiring and employment practices, librarians behave with professionalism and respect toward all co-workers in order to engender an atmosphere of collegiality and to encourage professional development that will be of benefit not only to library employees, but to the patrons and communities they serve.

6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.

   As a profession, librarians are sometimes entrusted with information or knowledge that can be sensitive, confidential, or timely. It is inappropriate for librarians to exploit that knowledge to further private interests, whether their own or another party’s, especially if such use would cause detriment to the source of the information. The profession expects high levels of both professional and personal integrity from librarians, including a character and conduct that promotes confidence in the profession. Use of professional position or knowledge to advance private interests illegitimately violates the integrity and health of the library profession and frequently breaches our promise to respect the privacy and confidentiality rights of our patrons. In conducting professional affairs it is imperative that private interests not be allowed to supersede professional duty—a duty which is understood to be analogous with service.

7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.

   Librarians should not refuse to provide information or other library services on the grounds of their personal beliefs or the possible uses to which patrons may put the knowledge or resources gained. As a professional, the librarian must have the objectivity to differentiate between personal bias and professional duty, which requires first a knowledge of the philosophies of the professional body of librarianship. although we respect the rights of library employees to their own beliefs and convictions, it is our professional responsibility to provide access to information, not to advocate particular viewpoints or to make moral judgments.

8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

   Given the rapidly changing nature of the means and technologies by which access to information is obtained, librarians must continually update their professional knowledge and skills in order to provide their patrons with the best possible service. Continuing education, whether formal or informal, is a vital component of ongoing professional development. Librarians make every effort to keep their understanding of trends, services, and technologies current, as well as anticipate and respond to the changing needs of their patrons and communities. In addition to their professional development as individuals, librarians foster the continuing health of the profession as a whole by encouraging and mentoring those interested in joining it.