Code of Ethics
May 13, 1996
This code of ethics provides the framework within which Gwinnett County Public Library staff members are expected to conduct themselves.
- Treat each person and his/her request fairly and equitably.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Voice your concerns in an appropriate way and through the proper channels.
- Support and advocate library policy and philosophy when working with the public and staff.
- Give the benefit of the doubt to the public and staff.
- Be honest in all your dealings.
- Hold yourself and your co-workers to high standards in your professional life.
- Use the community’s standards instead of personal standards in your professional life.
- No one is expected to tolerate harassment from the public or staff.
- Support the code of ethics adopted by our professional organization:
I. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
III. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
IV. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
V. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
VIII. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co- workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.