Ethical perspectives of library and information science graduate students in the United States

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the ethical perspectives of library and information science professionals prior to their entry into the profession.Design/methodology/approachThe population consisted of 46 graduate students enrolled in a library and information science program during summer 2003. Three scenarios related to general, legal, and health ethical issues were used. Participants were randomly assigned to a scenario. First, they read the scenario and provided initial reactions. Second, they read the professional code of ethics related to the scenario. Finally, they re‐read the scenario and provided reactions based on the professional code of ethics.FindingsThe initial reactions of participants to the scenarios were similar to their reactions after reading and applying the assigned code of ethics. For example, participants initially reported that the library director should permit staff to attend the American Library Association conference in Toronto even with the SARS issue (85 percent), After reading the Health Sciences Code of Ethics, they selected promoting access to health information and working without prejudice to support their positions.Originality/valueThe findings of this study illustrate the influence of codes of ethics on students' ethical perspectives. Investigating the professional ethics of future library and information science graduate students is of value to students and faculty.