Information – the Icelandic Library and Information Science Association

Code of ethics

• The Association?s members should facilitate that everybody can acquire knowledge and information regardless of the format of the information, language or location. In that way the member promotes democracy, equal rights and freedom of expression.
• A member should create links between the client and knowledge. The member accomplishes this by collecting, preserving, organizing and disseminating information in a professional and effective manner according to the role and objectives of the institution/company that he/she works for.
• A member must serve both the individual and the community by promoting the use of information, stimulate reading and by drawing attention to the wealth that lies in the nation?s literature.
• A member must perform his/her professional duties with accuracy and faithfulness and show the client respect regardless of age, gender, race, political views, religion, nationality or social status.
• A member should reserve confidentiality regarding individual information, e.g. about loans from library collections, information requests and other services. A member, who works in an institution/company, should not give outsiders information, which must be treated as confidential, about the operation of the institution/company. Confidentiality applies after the member has left the professional working place.
• A member should point out different ways in acquiring information. Before service is provided the client should be made aware of if he/she has to pay for the service. A member must inform the client if he/she knows that client can get comparable service elsewhere for less or no fee.
• A member must always endeavor to get the most accurate information. He/she must get advice from other colleagues or refer to other services if he/she feels that he/she cannot deal with the request in a satisfying manner.
• A member must maintain and enhance the professional knowledge and skills. He/She should be aware of innovations in library and information science and also in other professions that support his working field.
• A member should guard the respect and honor of the profession and strengthen the reputation. A member should treat colleagues with respect and faithfulness, and avoid putting them in a bad light by irresponsible criticism. The members should promote cooperation within the profession, communicate the professional knowledge and should participate in professional debates in an objective manner.
• A member must respect the codes of ethics and professional knowledge of other professions.
• A member’s work and decisions should always be based on professional appreciation.
• A member should always work sincerely towards the objectives of the institution/company that he/she works for.
• A member should not yield to pressure from individuals or special interest groups, e.g. concerning collection management or service. He/She should not use the working facilities for own personal advantage or for disseminating propaganda.
• Violation of this code of ethics will be responded to by an admonition from the association?s ethics committee. Repeated violations can lead to the member being expelled from the association.
• Prepared by the Code of Ethics Committee. First approved by  the Annual General Meeting in May 1995. Revised 2001 and approved by the Annual General Meeting on May 15th 2001. 

Svava H. Friðgeirsdóttir and Þórdís T. Þórarinsdóttir translated from Icelandic, February 2004