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CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
ETHICS POLICY
Chatsworth Township Library Ethics
Policy
The Chatsworth Township Library
adheres to the Code of Ethics of the
American Library Association
as delineated below:
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.
Ethical dilemmas occur when values
are in conflict. The American
Library Association Code of Ethics
states the values to which we are
committed, and embodies the ethical
responsibilities of the profession
in this changing information
environment.
We significantly influence or
control the selection, organization,
preservation, and dissemination of
information. In a political system
grounded in an informed citizenry,
we are members of a profession
explicitly committed to intellectual
freedom and the freedom of access to
information. We have a special
obligation to ensure the free flow
of information and ideas to present
and future generations.
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.
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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.
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We uphold the principles of
intellectual freedom and resist
all efforts to censor library
resources.
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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.
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We respect intellectual property
rights and advocate balance
between the interests of
information users and rights
holders.
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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.
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We do not advance private
interests at the expense of
library users, colleagues, or
our employing institutions.
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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.
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We strive for excellence in the
profession by maintaining and
enhancing our own knowledge and
skills, by encouraging the
professional development of
coworkers, and by fostering the
aspirations of potential members
of the profession.
Adopted June 28, 1997, by the ALA
Council; amended January 22, 2008
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