+ a City P's. 10Ux * S = Code of Ethics LeNTancanenne SIOUX CITY, IOWA El Paprertecneenscccsnseccneueoncvscevecasusnrenssseceonersovecoueseeneoeceausn ena ecegUeugNOsRuCeraayecOONSOOUUOEGOUOOENCUCHUOSOSUDUSOOLORUUGUNESONSIOQUUEROOPODDCRNUROEENUSOOLOUTNAL EOC SLONSOODSOSREASOTORUROOOOOLSODLOOIONSOCOSONUOONESODOSIOPEODSDOROREOSOSCSUSCOSUCOGOCORNTSNSHUOGODUASLORSTONNOSIES In order to form a code of professional ethics for librarians, all members ef the profession should feel convinced that the wer rk of the librarian is co-ordinate in rank and dignity with every other human calling and branch of public service. In applying a code of ethics to library work, it is necessary to distinguish hetween what is called professional ethics and the imnore general term administration. We assume that the groups of workers are made up of individuals having a common purpose and com- non interests to such an extent that a code of ethics will apply to all in the same way. What shal we in- clude in this? How can the fundamental elements be stated so as to cover all the relationships that should exist among the members of the profession? We are suggesting three main points, with sub- divisions in each case, all of which are quite genera! in scope. They are as follows: COURTESY (a) To Patrons 1. As the library exists to serve any and every one, it is unethical to discriminate in service te any group or individual at the expense of ancther. As eur work is one of humanity we niust be rcady and watching to attend to pressing cases in and out of seasen. (b) Te Co-Workers 1. In her associations with her fellow workers the librarian should be genereus, courteous, and chari- table. Sie snould use her inflnence to stimulate the professional attitude and be willing to share the frniis of her own re-search with other members of the staf. 2. It is the ethical duty of department heads to refrain from gossip and interference with other de- ae administration, each devoting her entire time and attention te the development and growth of her own. She should be generous and magnanimous toward the others, bearing in mind that the strength and efiiciency of the unit depends on the co-operation of the individuals and cepartments. 3. It is ethical for members of the staff affected by changes in policies and rules, to have the pr.vilege of discussion and criticism with the administrative head before adoption. LOYALTY (a) To the Profession 1. It is the ethical duty of all to maintain intel- lectual and moral standards within the profession, to have enthusiasm for it, betteve in it, and never speak disparagingly of it in or cut of the system. (b) To Admiinistrative Head and the Library As a Unit 1. It is the duty of each member of the staff to strive to maintain professional dignity, good name, in- fluence and honor of all within the system. (1) By poise of manner, (2) By restraint in dress. (8) By refraining from gossip concerning per- sons and policies at all times. (4) By due formality toward co-workers during business heurs. (5) By never depreciz ting the work of another. (6) By maintaining the authority and cigBiy of suboedinatse before patrons. EDCODECO ROC RRCSHER PCO DCOCRRO DERE ROORERERC COR CERO REIL ORK CDCR TOT CRED EPR ERED EOROE OOS OREK CHOSE RROROR TLDS ODOR ROSES OGREE GJoveesennnsrucarvatcasoesnevesnsssssduauscanesesueseoszosnasaseavsvesasecesepeiniMeEeinetazenens ssaURetnsssseEIaE OR a cn caer Pea Ti ae toa Oe cea onan at eee EB) [EprrsccoccvacecoscusrsccnssrancevesoscccevoooussrcoecersusesvstsenccnseseucnrenerosueueenOeuseononoOsOnUSSOCURCCONNSDUSONESCEOCGUDUSUCONOORTCODUSONNSORUSHOSUNNUOOEOQUSUNEODSOUISNOEAREOQNDSSONSONOUCUODSOSOSINOUNECORCUDOOONSOSSONSODSUSNESSONOUSOSODDOSCODONSOORDCOSUOONANONRODSSONEENORNNCORUEREOR 2. It is the duty of each member of the staff to maintain a constructive and co-operative attitude to- ward ali endeavor in the system of which she is a part, to uphold the policies of the administration and aid in carrying them out. Whenever it becomes impossible for her to co-operate, it is ethical for her to with- draw from the system. 3. Between assistants, department heads and ad- ministrative head there should be that confidence which can arise only from mutual understanding and pride in each other’s work. No library task is be- neath the dignity of any member of the staf and ail should be willing to share in any possible discomfort. Each should regard the other’s success as a part of her own, be ready to advance the professional inter- ests of the other and to assist in securing professional recognition and promotion, 4. It is ethical for the administrative head to eliow an assistant to prove her ability to do work of a higher character than usually assigned to her and to advance those capabie to more responsible positions in their own library or elsewhere. (c) To the City 1. It is unethical for staff members to belittle in any way the municipality to which she owes her position. HONESTY (a) In Regard to One’s Own Ideals 1. The true librarian will maintain an open mind toward all forms of progress; she will seek constantly to have a part in carrying forward all projects with a view to the improvement of the system; she will be a reguiar reader of professional literature and an ac- tive member in state and national associations of librarians. 2. It is the duty of each staff member to feel re- sponsibility and interest in work assigned by doing it regularly and cheerfully. (>) In Regard to the Welfare cf Co-Workers J. Staff members should refrain at all times from availing themselves of prejudice against-other staff members to their detriment: or to obtain official preferment. 2. It is unethical and unprofessional for a superior to make use of a subordinate to obtain information in regard to the behavior or work of another, 3. Since the librarian’s standing in her profession depends upon her rating, it is essential for department heads to exercise honesty and sincerity in their rec- ommendations without regard to friendships or other relations. (c) In Regard to the Library System As a Unit 1. It is ethical for staff members when considering change in position to give adequate notice to the ad- ministrative head and department head. It is un- ethical to accept a position unless there is a reasonable certainty of remaining one year, or to apply for a position not declared vacant by the administrative head, FRCRCURETACOR CRE RAT ORR R CRE CHT OR EORTC RK ERR CREE TAGE ORL TL ORO RRR ECAR ALOR RRR DCRR PECAN DCRR DAUR ERROR CRR ORR ROR NOR O Teak toes CCUNDEUEREERUGUDUNUNOUOUOADSOSOLCNSOUEUCODSEUGOEASOSUSEONDEUDLISUAOGNOOSEOUSOSODEDDOCO ES oO Doo oeONOEOeNeatoeNees |e = Efecensccvecsenncevecccseucnasavngvscconesenugvangnarcsosaccacceeenteugesagnnsnevaeunenegneeononvauscuossosnsenoesaeeusecenensveceseusneunnenaesonncaanessenusenseausussecucncnsersocenccgesnssosecauceensencouanenencenangegcensneeccossuatacaensuannscgeceucceususuanceausnengeasacessuusasennss = £ = iN > oe ; we Not ‘ t i: AL erievanecy. preys be ae thro aces channels, the proper procedure be g thr (1) Department head. cae Je fe (2)> Librarian. 7°. cea (3) Board of trustees in open meetitig and versely. 3. It is unethical for staff members to devote time | : scheduled for library duty to discussion of outsid interests. 4. Health is a necessary qualification in a ‘Wbrar- ian’s equipment and continued ill health does not en- title an employee to favored treatment by the library. Conversely, the library should conserve the health of the staff by furnishing the best possible equipment in — regard to light, air, and sanitation. Illness in the family is not a valid claim for absence with pay. Hon- esty requires due care of the health at all times in order that we may always be physically fit for duty. ae 5. It is the ethical duty for each staff member to preserve library equipment: pee PCL) By returning materials used to their proper | places and in proper condition. pe (2) By neatness and cleanliness in their use. (3) By reporting shortages and necessary repairs. Professional Ethics Among Librarians Should Stand for: 1.