Survey on the IFLA Code of Ethics for Library and Information Workers
February 23, 2025
What ethical principles matter for library and information workers?
How relevant are those set out in IFLA’s 2012 code?
What other issues should be taken into account now?
Share your views, and help shape the revision of the code through this survey from IFLA’s Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE).
Deadline: March 3, 2025
What ethical principles matter for library and information workers? How relevant are those set out in IFLA’s 2012 code? What other issues should we be taking into account now? Share your views, and help shape the revision of the code through our survey. Deadline: 3 March.
The IFLA Code of Ethics serves as a cornerstone document guiding ethical conduct for library and information professionals worldwide. However, the information landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, challenges, and societal contexts emerging. Regular review and feedback on the Code are essential to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
This survey, prepared by the FAIFE Working Group on the IFLA Code of Ethics, aims to collect diverse perspectives on the Code’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential revision. Understanding how this code is understood, applied, and potentially needs updating is crucial for ensuring ethical information services globally.
This survey aims to:
- Assess awareness and understanding of the IFLA Code of Ethics among library and information professionals globally.
- Explore how the Code is being applied in practice and the challenges encountered in its implementation.
- Identify areas where the Code may need updating or clarification to address emerging ethical dilemmas.
- Gather suggestions for improving the Code’s accessibility, usability, and impact.
- Inform the ongoing work of the FAIFE Working Group on the IFLA Code of Ethics in reviewing and updating the Code.
You can access the survey in Chinese, English, French, German, Russian and Spanish at this link: Survey on IFLA Code of Ethics for Librarians and other Information Workers FAIFE Working Group on IFLA Code of Ethics.
For Arabic, please use this link: استطلاع رأي حول مدونة أخلاقيات الاتحاد الدولي لجمعيات المكتبات والمؤسسات (IFLA) لأمناء المكتبات وغيرهم من العاملين في مجال المعلومات مجموعة عمل FAIFE حول مدونة أخلاقيات الاتحاد الدولي لجمعيات المكتبات والمؤسسات (IFLA)
Submit your responses by 3 March!
(Via IFLA)
One reply on “Survey on the IFLA Code of Ethics for Library and Information Workers”
Hi there. I tried to take the survey but several of the questions are vague because they refer to “your own” code of ethics. Grammatically, that seems to refer to a personal code of ethics. The context, though, seems to refer to a national code of ethics for librarians or library workers. Other questions ask whether various factors were taken into account in developing “your” code of ethics, which maybe refers to the library where I work? I think this is a wonderful initiative but the (English versions of the) questions need work.