圖書館員專業倫理

毛慶禎 輔仁大學圖書資訊學系副教授
http://www.lins.fju.edu.tw/mao/pl/ethics.htm
2004/12/20
  1. 我國圖書館員專業倫理守則
  2. 美國圖書館學會倫理信條
  3. 英國圖書館學會倫理信條

1998年美國法院判定 Loudoun County, Va 的公共圖書館採用過濾軟體是違憲的, 即違反憲法第一修正案 - 言論自由; 美國政府通過的法令, 要求接受政府補助連線上網的公共圖書館及中小學, 必須自2002年七月開始, 全面採用過濾軟體。美國民權聯盟(ACLU, American Civil Liberties Union)對此很有意見, 準備聯合美國圖書館協會, 對此提出訴訟。

根據美國的「提供打擊與防止恐佈主義所需的適當工具以團結並強化美國法案」（Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act），其縮寫即為「美國愛國法案」(USA PATRIOT Act), 政府調閱借書人資料的標準已經大幅降低了。在該法的條款下，聯邦幹員只要有搜查令即可要求立即釋出資料，而不需要證明其中是否有犯罪證據。

不僅如此，這個過程是秘密的。法院會私下審核這些案子，而圖書館員只要洩露出密談的任何消息，包括被調查對象，都會受到起訴。

根據美國圖書館協會在今年初調查所屬1026家會員圖書館顯示，總計有85家（或者相當於8.3%）接到了政府機關911相關調查的要求。

「你在使用圖書館時，不管你借了哪些刊物都是FBI可要求出示的資訊。」ALA總裁Mitch Freeman表示，「政府調查權力大增，圖書館用戶也不免會受到影響。」

1. 我國圖書館員專業倫理守則

91年12月

前言：圖書館員受社會之付託，依據民主及專業理念，為善盡社會責任， 確保服務品質，增進人民福祉，訂立本守則。

館員提供圖書資訊服務應依據民主及專業理念為之，以善盡社會責任，民主之內涵包括自由、平等及中立等三大原則，至社會責任則包括文化傳承、教育推廣及資訊 素養之培養，為確保服務品質，館員並應以熱忱、效率及自我成長方式，自加惕勵，與時俱進，於道德規範之下，完成社會期許與付託之神聖使命，又本守則所稱館 員係指在圖書館法所界定設施中從業之人員。

第一條 館員應積極維護閱讀自由，並抗拒不當壓力。

    館員基於維護讀者資訊權益，落實人權保障，應抗拒來自政府、商業及宗教等不當之檢查、干涉與壓力。

第二條 館員應基於平等原則提供服務，不得為差別待遇。

    館員提供服務應基於平等原則為之，不分性別、年齡、膚色、種族、教育、職業、宗教、黨派等因素而為差別待遇，此外，圖書資訊之提供應本於共有共享原則為 之，亦不得因館員個人因素，致其服務產生偏頗或不公平情形。

第三條 館員應本中立原則，蒐集各種圖書資訊，維護讀者權益。

    館員應本中立原則蒐集各種圖書資訊，以維護讀者權益，中立原則包括觀點的中立、執行業務的公正態度及不偏不倚的館藏發展計畫等。

第四條 館員應努力保存各種圖書資訊，促進文化交流。

    館員應努力妥善保存各種圖書資訊，包括圖書、期刊、報紙、視聽資料、電子媒體等出版品及網路資源，促進館際合作及國際文化交流。

第五條 館員應重視讀者終身學習之需要，提升教育功能。

    館員應重視讀者終身學習之需要，結合社區資源，提供有系統及多元學習機會，倡導閱讀活動、運用各種傳播媒體,豐富學習資源, 辦理學習活動, 提昇教育功能。

第六條 館員應不斷提升讀者運用圖書資訊能力，提供最高層次服務。

    館員應積極辦理各種圖書館利用教育，推廣活動、資訊服務及其他相關活動，以增進讀者蒐集、整理、組織與利用圖書資訊之能力。

第七條 館員應抱持熱忱態度，積極主動為讀者服務。

    館員應抱持熱忱態度，積極主動為讀者服務，熱忱態度包括讀者至上、關愛讀者及滿足讀者需求等作為，積極主動則包括便民措施、行銷圖書館及提供各種創新服 務。

第八條 館員應精確、有效處理圖書館業務，提供最佳服務。

    館員在工作的過程中應採用準確與科學的方法，以節省讀者的時間，應用資訊科技、採用圖書資訊相關標準與規範、熟悉圖書館相關法規及作業流程，使圖書館業務 處理更為順暢。

第九條 館員應參與學術活動、吸取新知、充實專業技能，增進優質服務。

    館員為提供精確之資訊服務，應具有專業之知能，其方式包括主動參加專業組織、在職訓練、自我進修及學習，並積極出席學術會議等。

第十條 館員執行職務時，應嚴守業務機密、維護讀者隱私，不圖利自己或加損害他人。

    館員於執行職務時，對於所知悉或持有之機密應予嚴守，對於讀者之隱私並應確實保護，此外，執行職務應以提供神聖之社會服務自加期許，不得有絲毫藉故刁難， 圖利自己甚或損害他人之行為，俾樹立館員清新守分之典範。

2. 美國圖書館學會倫理信條 Code of Ethics of the American Library Association

June 28, 1995

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.

　

  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.
  2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
  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.
  4. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
  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.
  6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
  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.
  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.
    9.

3. 英國圖書資訊人員倫理信條 Ethical Principles and Code of Professional Practice for Library and Information Professionals


Library and information professionals are frequently the essential link between information users and the information or piece of literature which they require. They therefore occupy a privileged position which carries corresponding responsibilities. In addition, whether they are self-employed or employed, their position is sometimes a sensitive one, which may impose a need to balance conflicting requirements.

The purpose of the Principles and Code which follow this introduction is to provide a framework to help library and information professionals, who are members of CILIP, to manage the responsibilities and sensitivities which figure prominently in their work. There is a statement of Ethical Principles and a more extended Code of Professional Practice, which applies these principles to the different groups and professionals to which our members must relate. The Code also makes some additional points with regard to professional behaviour. Given the diversity of the information profession, it is inevitable that not every statement in the Code of Professional Practice will be equally applicable to every member of CILIP. However, the Ethical Principles ought to command more general support, even though some members may not feel the force of each one of them to the same extent in their day-to-day experience. The Principles and Code assume that respect for duly enacted law is a fundamental responsibility for everybody.

By the terms of its Royal Charter, CILIP has a responsibility to "the public good". It is therefore anticipated that our Ethical Principles and our Code of Professional Practice may be of interest well beyond the immediate limits of the membership of CILIP, both to those whose work bears close comparison with ours, and also to those who may, from time to time, want a clear statement of our ethical principles and what we consider to be good professional practice.

Associated with these Principles and Code, there is a growing collection of practical examples, illustrating how information professionals and others can use the Principles and Code to help them cope with ethical dilemmas they may face. In further support of the Principles and Code, CILIP has established an Ethics Panel of experienced members of the profession, and they and the professional staff of CILIP are available to members who may need additional help in resolving ethical issues.

CILIP’s Disciplinary Regulations provide that a Member will be guilty of professional misconduct if he/she has acted contrary to the aims, objects and interests of CILIP or in a manner unbecoming or prejudicial to the profession. In reaching decisions under the Disciplinary Procedure, regard will be had to the Statement of Ethical Principles and the Code of Professional Practice and Members should therefore be aware that failure to comply with the Principles and Code may, depending on the circumstances, be a ground for disciplinary action.


Ethical Principles for Library and Information Professionals

The conduct of members should be characterised by the following general principles, presented here in no particular order of priority:

1. Concern for the public good in all professional matters, including respect for diversity within society, and the promoting of equal opportunities and human rights.

2. Concern for the good reputation of the information profession.

3. Commitment to the defence, and the advancement, of access to information, ideas and works of the imagination.

4. Provision of the best possible service within available resources.

5. Concern for balancing the needs of actual and potential users and the reasonable demands of employers.

6. Equitable treatment of all information users.

7. Impartiality, and avoidance of inappropriate bias, in acquiring and evaluating information and in mediating it to other information users.

8. Respect for confidentiality and privacy in dealing with information users.

9. Concern for the conservation and preservation of our information heritage in all formats.

10. Respect for, and understanding of, the integrity of information items and for the intellectual effort of those who created them.

11. Commitment to maintaining and improving personal professional knowledge, skills and competences.

12. Respect for the skills and competences of all others, whether information professionals or information users, employers or colleagues.


Code of Professional Practice for Library and Information Professionals

This Code applies the ethical principles to the different groups and interests to which CILIP members must relate. The Code also makes some additional points with regard to professional behaviour. The principles and values will differ in their relative importance according to context.

A. Personal Responsibilities

People who work in the information profession have personal responsibilities which go beyond those immediately implied by their contract with their employers or clients. Members should therefore:

1. strive to attain the highest personal standard of professional knowledge and competence

2. ensure they are competent in those branches of professional practice in which qualifications and/or experience entitle them to engage by keeping abreast of developments in their areas of expertise

3. claim expertise in areas of library and information work or in other disciplines only where their skills and knowledge are adequate


B. Responsibilities to Information and its Users

The behaviour of professionals who work with information should be guided by a regard for the interests and needs of information users. People working in the information profession also need to be conscious that they have responsibility for a growing heritage of information and data, irrespective of format. This includes works of the imagination as well as factual data. Members should therefore:

1. ensure that information users are aware of the scope and remit of the service being provided

2. make the process of providing information, and the standards and procedures governing that process, as clear and open as possible

3. avoid inappropriate bias or value judgements in the provision of services

4. protect the confidentiality of all matters relating to information users, including their enquiries, any services to be provided, and any aspects of the users' personal circumstances or business

5. deal fairly with the competing needs of information users, and resolve conflicting priorities with due regard for the urgency and importance of the matters being considered

6. deal promptly and fairly with any complaints from information users, and keep them informed about progress in the handling of their complaints.

7. ensure that the information systems and services for which they are responsible are the most effective, within the resources available, in meeting the needs of users

8. ensure that the materials to which they provide access are those which are most appropriate to the needs of legitimate users of the service

9. defend the legitimate needs and interests of information users, while upholding the moral and legal rights of the creators and distributors of intellectual property

10. respect the integrity of information sources, and cite sources used, as appropriate

11. show an appropriate concern for the future information needs of society through the long term preservation and conservation of materials as required, as well as an understanding of proper records management


C. Responsibilities to Colleagues and the Information Community

The personal conduct of information professionals at work should promote the profession in the best possible manner at all times. Members should therefore:

1. act in ways that promote the profession positively, both to their colleagues and to the public at large

2. afford respect and understanding to other colleagues and professionals and acknowledge their ideas, contributions and work, wherever and whenever appropriate

3. refer to colleagues in a professional manner and not discredit or criticise their work unreasonably or inappropriately

4. when working in an independent capacity, conduct their business in a professional manner that respects the legitimate rights and interests of others

5. encourage colleagues, especially those for whom they have a line-management responsibility, to maintain and enhance their professional knowledge and competence

6. refrain from ascribing views to, or speaking on behalf of, CILIP, unless specifically authorised to do so

7. report significant breaches of this Code to the appropriate authorities

8. refrain from any behaviour in the course of their work which might bring the information profession into disrepute


D. Responsibilities to Society

One of the distinguishing features of professions is that their knowledge and skills are at the service of society at large, and do not simply serve the interests of the immediate customer. Members should therefore:

1. consider the public good, both in general and as it refers to particular vulnerable groups, as well as the immediate claims arising from their employment and their professional duties

2. promote equitable access for all members of society to public domain information of all kinds and in all formats
3. strive to achieve an appropriate balance within the law between demands from information users, the need to respect confidentiality, the terms of their employment, the public good and the responsibilities outlined in this Code

4. encourage and promote wider knowledge and acceptance of, and wider compliance with, this Code, both among colleagues in the information professions and more widely among those whom we serve


E. Responsibilities as Employees

Members who are employed have duties that go beyond the immediate terms of their employment contract. On occasion these may conflict with the immediate demands of their employer but be in the broader interest of the public and possibly the employer themselves. Members should therefore:

1. develop a knowledge and understanding of the organisation in which they work and use their skills and expertise to promote the legitimate aims and objectives of their employer

2. avoid engaging in unethical practices during their work and bring to the attention of their employer any concerns they may have concerning the ethics or legality of specific decisions, actions or behaviour at work
Updated: 02 September 2004

參考資料

  1. 國際圖書館聯盟, 資訊自由與言論自由委員會(Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, Faife)

    1. 任務與目標, http://www.faife.dk/faife/presen.htm

    2. 圖書館與知性自由宣言(Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom), 1999/3/25第25屆IFLA理事會在海牙通過, http://www.faife.dk/policy/iflastat/iflastat.htm

  2. 英國圖書資訊專業人員協會(The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals)的相關文件:

  3. 美國圖書館協會的相關文件: