Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
April 2006
Abstract
The American Library Association (ALA) is undertaking a revision of its code of ethics. The author propo ses and discusses three reasons not to revise the code. The reasons are that there is already a set of interlocking policies on ethics and related issues; that ALA leadership has taken the most conservative possible approach to ethics policy - and especially the connection between librarians' professional responsibilities and rights; and that when policies are amended, they are not always improved, and those on the books are often ignored. The author considers and discusses likely objections to his proposal.