Professional+Codes

=Professional Codes Impacting Information Services =

[|Code of Ethics of the American Library]Association The Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians. This code is important for reference services specifically because it highlights the importance of an anti-censorship stance toward library resources, the patron's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to resources consulted, and a balance between the patron's interests and the copyright holder's interests.

[|Library Bill of Rights] The Library Bill of Rights is a statement of the American Library Association that affirms libraries as forums for ideas and information. It is important for reference services because it supports an unbiased reference collection that provides "information and enlightenment" to all members of the school community.

[|Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights] This interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights specifically applies the Library Bill of Rights to the school library environment. It upholds students' rights to equitable access to library facilities, resources, and instructional programs. This interpretation is especially significant for reference services because it emphasizes the importance of a library collection that supports the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives of the school district, represents diverse points of view on current and historical issues, and reflects the linguistic pluralism of the community. It also calls for collection development and review of resources policies.

[|The Freedom to Read Statement] The Freedom to Read Statement is a joint anti-censorship statement by the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers that affirms that the freedom to read is essential to democracy. It is important for reference services because it supports reference collections that "make available the widest diversity of views" despite the librarian's personal views. It also clearly places the responsibility of guarding people's freedom to read with librarians.