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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2003

Herman T Tavani

During the past decade, a fairly extensive literature on the digital divide has emerged. Many reports and studies have provided statistical data (Digital Divide Network, 2002;…

3063

Abstract

During the past decade, a fairly extensive literature on the digital divide has emerged. Many reports and studies have provided statistical data (Digital Divide Network, 2002; NTIA, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000) pertaining to sociological aspects of ‘the divide,’ while some studies have examined policy issues involving universal service (Camp and Tsong, 2001) and universal access (Brewer and Chuter, 2002). Other studies have suggested ways in which the digital divide could be better understood if it were ‘reconceptualized’ in terms of an alternative metaphor, e.g. a ‘divide’ having to do with literacy (Warschauer, 2002), power (Moss, 2002), content (Carvin, 2000), or the (information) environment (Floridi, 2001). However, with the exception of Johnson (2001) and Koehler (2002), authors have tended not to question ‐ at least not directly ‐ whether the digital divide is, at bottom, an ethical issue. Many authors seem to assume that because disparities involving access to computing technology exist, issues underlying the digital divide are necessarily moral in nature. Many further assume that because this particular ‘divide’ has to do with something that is digital or technological in nature, it is best understood as a computer ethical issue. The present study, which examines both assumptions, considers four questions: (1) What exactly is the digital divide? (2) Is this ‘divide’ ultimately an ethical issue? (3) Assuming that the answer to (2) is ‘yes,’ is the digital divide necessarily an issue for computer ethics? (4) If the answer to (3) is ‘yes,’ what can/should computer professionals do bridge the digital divide?

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Wallace Koehler

There are numerous professional associations for librarians and libraries. A small proportion of these have promulgated codes of ethics. These codes of ethics vary along several…

2540

Abstract

Purpose

There are numerous professional associations for librarians and libraries. A small proportion of these have promulgated codes of ethics. These codes of ethics vary along several dimensions. Often the code reflects the social, political, or professional mandate of its organization. This paper aims to address ethics codes and their functions in professional associations that have individuals as members.

Design/methodology/approach

It is suggested that for these organizations there are several different types of ethics codes. This paper addresses the four most common types. The oldest code (American Library Association), one of the newest (Association des Bibliothécaires Français), and two of a more average age (Canadian Library Association and Colegio de Bibliotecarios de Chile) are compared and considered in detail.

Findings

The paper finds that, while most library and information professionals share similar values, as reflected in their codes of ethics, the application of those codes varies widely.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on codes of ethics for libraries and librarians.

Details

Library Management, vol. 27 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Wallace Koehler

Visions of user‐centered approaches to digital library futures are uncertain. One can best understand what those futures portent by briefly exploring one's roots and traditions…

4450

Abstract

Visions of user‐centered approaches to digital library futures are uncertain. One can best understand what those futures portent by briefly exploring one's roots and traditions and concepts of service. Much of the future will be driven by technological change, but it will be moderated by the sense of service and purpose brought to the digital library by the people who use it and by the people who work in and through it. The digital library of the future will be impacted by several factors, one of which is the newly digital nature or format for information. Another is the redefinition of the book in at least some cases from a static to a fluid medium. The seeming inability to archive fluid media has changed libraries. Digital libraries are now distributed constructs of the mind rather than physical buildings with paper content. All of this, in turn, has led to new means and mechanisms for the management, classification, distribution, identification, retrieval, and storage of information in ways heretofore unimaginable. In the medium to long term, new means as yet not imagined will be developed to meet our information needs to further redefine digital libraries.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2000

Wanda V. Dole, Jitka M. Hurych and Wallace C. Koehler

The library profession has been concerned with ethical issues since its beginning. Ethical issues raised in the early years dealt primarily with librarians’ responsibility to the…

4164

Abstract

The library profession has been concerned with ethical issues since its beginning. Ethical issues raised in the early years dealt primarily with librarians’ responsibility to the employer or patron. The focus later shifted to questions of professional identity, organisational environment, and social responsibilities. Rapid technological change and the advent of the information age are forcing the library profession to rethink its mission and responsibilities. This paper expands research on a survey of librarians’ ethical values reported by Dole and Hurych (forthcoming) at the 1998 EEI21 Symposium. In the 1998 study, they conducted a survey of North American librarians and librarians at a conference in the Crimea (Ukraine) to examine the values considered most important by each group and to identify differences in the priorities of values assigned by the groups studied. They found that all three groups held similar values. The current study replicates the 1998 survey among librarians throughout the world. Additional professional and demographic data were collected during the second iteration to support consideration of professional training, library experience and type, and professional responsibilities as possible factors contributing to value formation.

Details

Library Management, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2004

Kendra S. Albright

Reports on the conference, "Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century 20032, held in Tennessee, October 2003.

1426

Abstract

Reports on the conference, "Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century 20032, held in Tennessee, October 2003.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

Dick Kawooya

Outlines some of the presentations at the Electronic information in the 21st century (EEI21) symposium at the University of Memphis in October 2004. EEI21 is an internationally…

1162

Abstract

Outlines some of the presentations at the Electronic information in the 21st century (EEI21) symposium at the University of Memphis in October 2004. EEI21 is an internationally recognized ethics meeting attracting scholars, practitioners and students interested in a wide range of information ethics and related topics. The EEI21 tradition of thematic focus areas continued with intellectual property rights as the special topic for 2004.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 21 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

G.E. Gorman

251

Abstract

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 January 2003

J.B. Hill

150

Abstract

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2002

Barbara Rockenbach

181

Abstract

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

G.E. Gorman

210

Abstract

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

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