Where Does it Hurt? Identifying the Real Concerns in the Ethics of Reference Service

Abstract

What is the right thing to do-for our clients, for ouremployers,for our government and society, for, our colleagues and ourselves? In theory no subject would seem to be of more importance to reference librarians than the ethical considerations that underlie theiractivities. In fact the topic gets little attention.' Bernard Vavrek, who is himself one of the few people to make a serious study of ethical issues, has deplored reference librarians' lack of interest in this subject.* His concern is commendable but the sad reality is that, considering the way in which the subject has usually been treated and presented, the apathy with which it has been received is understandable and perhaps even warranted. The most common type of presentation has taken the form of a library association promulgating an official code or formal statement which presumes to set forth the principles and precepts by which the librarian is to be guided into righteous behavior. Some examples of such codes or statements are those issued by the American Library Association (1938 and 1975)? the Institute of Professional Librarians of Ontario (1975): the Ohio Library Association (1976),J the California Library Association (1976): the American Library Association (the 1979 revision of the 1975 version)? and the Library Association (1980).8 The failings of these documents are not difficult to detect. In a number of instances, notably that of the ALA Code of Ethics of 1938, the writing itself is so bad as to have prompted severe criticism. The vague idealism,'' fatuous adjurationsl0 and pompous platitudes11 of such a statement are reason enough for ignoring it. Another problem is that the documents often mix up major points of principle with minor matters of etiquette.'* Stillanotherdrawback, in thiscase more the fault