Librarian Code of Ethics: Definition, Functions, Purpose and Obligations

The librarian's code of ethics is the rules that shape librarians to behave properly. This code of ethics is a rule so that librarians do not violate the boundaries that have been set.

So there are librarian rules that must be obeyed. Understand the librarian's code of ethics, from definition to function.

Apart from the applicable library code of ethics, the word ethics itself has several forms, there are philosophical ethics, theological ethics, sociological ethics and normative ethics.

Of the various forms of ethics, a librarian is required to act in accordance with the norms and rules of law that apply. Unable to walk or stand alone.

 

Understanding the Librarian Code of Ethics

Judging from its meaning, the word code is defined as a behavior, a person's behavior. Where the behavior and behavior of a librarian is regulated in a code so as not to tarnish professionalism.

Meanwhile, the word ethics is interpreted as a general idea that can influence a person's attitude and behavior. Where in general, ethics govern the morals or principles of librarian behavior.

According to Kash, the code of ethics is a system of norms, professional rules and a system of norms which have been stated which are right and which are not wrong.

In contrast to Cindy opinion, which interprets the code of ethics into many functions, including that the code of ethics can be used as a guideline that needs to be obeyed by librarians in order to maintain the trust or credibility of visitors.

According to the AIA Glossary of Libaray and Information Science the code of ethics is a professional standard that is proportional to follow. 

Where is the code of ethics that guides us to do it full of responsibility. According to Law number 8 of 1974, the behavior and actions of civil servants in carrying out their duties must follow the rules that have been in force.

The librarian code of ethics in general can be interpreted as a stream of behavior formed by professional organizations.

Making this professional organization aims to guide its members to be professional. In general, the rules of this code of ethics are written in a straightforward, firm and systematic manner so that all students can understand them.

According to Lasa HS, the code of ethics for librarians is not much different from other opinions.

Where this code of ethics contains rules and norms that librarians adhere to in order to maintain dignity, professionalism, image, honor and maintain the professionalism of other librarians.

The Roles and Responsibilities of the Library's Code of Ethics

In general, it states that this code of ethics serves as a guide for all members of the Librarian Association without exception. This code of ethics will lead librarians to work optimally and with a sense of responsibility.

Being a librarian is not just working in a library institution. But it is also said to have a high library soul. This is because the role of a librarian is not just to serve, but also work totally for the benefit of users, professional organizations, and society.

The library code of ethics in accordance with article 1 paragraph 1-3 explains that  librarians must be proficient in several points. First, guided by written rules in carrying out the duties of the librarian profession.

Second, it has a moral foundation that must be upheld by others, society, the State, users or fellow librarians. Finally carry out the duties or responsibilities that have been entrusted.

Purpose of the Librarian Code of Ethics

The creation of a code of ethics, of course, was not established just like that. There must be a purpose. Therefore, on this occasion we will look at what are the objectives of the code of ethics?

First, it aims to maintain dignity and maintain professional morale. We know that without a code of ethics, there will be more abuses.

Therefore, to minimize this, a code of ethics is created as a control. Second, the role is to maintain the relationship between members of the librarian profession with one another. Third, increase the dedication of members of the profession.

The purpose of the fourth code of ethics is to improve the quality of the profession. Of course, quality is very important. Good quality encourages someone to be more confident, and vice versa.

Finally, it aims to protect the user community. If there was no code of ethics for librarians, the opportunities for professional abuse would be greater, and more and more people would become victims of fraud.

There are other purposes of the code of ethics that actually have a lot of benefits. For example, it can be used as a means of fostering and shaping the character of librarians, supervising the behavior of librarians and at the same time can aim to exercise social control.

This includes paying attention to how to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts between fellow members and the community.

So that slowly it will also foster a sense of public trust in the library. If the sense of trust shown by the community is positive, then it will also positively affect the image of the library.

Librarian Obligations Against the Code of Ethics

If you have previously discussed the code of ethics as an important foundation. Then there is something that is no less important that librarians must know. Namely knowing the obligations of librarians. Not many people know that librarians have obligations too.

Of course the first obligation is the obligation to the nation and state, because literacy is indirectly very close to the nation and state.

Not many people know that it turns out that librarians have a responsibility to maintain the dignity and morals of the nation. From this it can be seen that the roles and responsibilities of a librarian are not easy.

Besides being obliged to the nation and state, librarians also have obligations to society. One form of obligation to the community can be shown through community services visiting the library. For example serving according to procedures and responsiveness.

Another form could be maintaining the privacy of the public (as clients or visitors) who are encountered or library materials borrowed by library users.

As for the form of responsibility to the community, by creating a good image of the library in the eyes of the community, participating in the activities organized and the original workplace environment are in accordance with educational and socio-cultural themes.

If previously stated that librarians are responsible for their professional obligations. Well, there are several obligations, including carrying out the association's statutes and bylaws as well as being responsible for respecting intellectual property rights related to library materials.

Librarians also have an obligation to maintain good relations with colleagues by respecting each other, being fair and building cooperation. After all, this collaboration is the key to successful networking within a team.

This includes being responsible to yourself so you don't take bad actions, for example abusing facilities, abusing co-workers and so you don't act arbitrarily, you have to be professional.

Those are some important things in discussing the librarian code of ethics. Of course, for every violation of the code of ethics, there is always a penalty and an impact that will be given.

Can get disciplinary punishment, dismissal, cut wages and many more punishments. Of course the punishment is seen from how badly it was done.

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