Overview

The American Library Association (ALA) Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics are foundational documents that guide library services; policies and procedures related to collection development, user access, and intellectual freedom; and values.  Both documents have reflected evolving professional standards responding to societal changes and technological advancements for nearly 90 years. They are used by all types of libraries (public, academic, school, and special libraries) as a guiding framework to ensure free, fair and unbiased access to information—and are widely adopted by libraries and information institutions nationwide.

Bill of Rights

Originally adopted in 1939 by the ALA Council and amended several times, most recently in 2019, areas of coverage include:

• Outlines the core principles of intellectual freedom and equitable access to information.
• Emphasizes the rights of all library users to freely access information and resources, regardless of their background or viewpoints.
• Advocates against censorship and support providing diverse materials to reflect various perspectives.

Libraries often display their commitment to the Bill of Rights near circulation desks or as part of policy documents on their websites. They also incorporate them into library training materials, policy handbooks, and advocacy resources; and reference them during public challenges to library collections or services.

Code of Ethics

Originally adopted by the ALA Council in 1939 and revised multiple times, mostly recently in 2021, the Code of Ethics:

• Provides ethical guidelines for library professionals to ensure integrity, confidentiality, and equitable treatment of library users.
• Emphasizes professionalism, intellectual freedom, privacy, respect, and avoiding personal biases in providing information services.
• Addresses conflicts of interest, copyright adherence, and responsible stewardship of resources.

The Code of Ethics is used by librarians, library staff, and information professionals as a standard for ethical behavior and decision-making. It is applied in situations involving privacy, intellectual property rights, professional relationships, and library governance.

Libraries typically incorporate the code into institutional ethics policies and employee training programs. They share the code through library websites, employee handbooks, and policy documents. The code is used as a reference during ethical dilemmas or discussions about library practices.

Background

ALA is the largest membership association in the library industry. Its mission is to improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship to ensure access to information for all.

Recent implementations and interpretations of the Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics reflect libraries' commitment to adapting to contemporary challenges and opportunities. Recent examples of implementation include:

• Emphasis on Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Libraries have reinforced their dedication to user privacy by adopting policies that safeguard all library use data, including personally identifiable information. This commitment aligns with Article VII of the Library Bill of Rights, which asserts that all individuals have the right to privacy in their library use.
• Development of Diverse Collections
  • In line with the Library Bill of Rights, libraries are curating collections that represent a multitude of viewpoints and experiences. This effort ensures that materials reflect diverse perspectives, allowing users to explore various facets of questions, causes, or movements.
• Access to Digital Resources
  • Recognizing the importance of digital information, libraries are implementing policies that provide equitable access to digital resources and services. This approach ensures that digital technologies enhance, rather than restrict, access to information, upholding intellectual freedom principles.
• Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks
  • The ALA's Code of Ethics offers broad principles guiding ethical decision-making within libraries. These principles provide a framework for addressing ethical dilemmas, ensuring that library professionals uphold the integrity and ethical responsibilities of the profession.

Resources

https://www.ala.org/

https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics

https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill