Objective 5.2 Professional Ethics
Indicator: Candidates practice the ethical responsibilities of their profession,
advocate for intellectual freedom and privacy, and promote and model
digital citizenship and responsibility.
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” I have always carried this quote with me, from being a student in high school, to a member of Student Judiciary in college, to an English teacher and school librarian. I am someone who feels that honesty and effort are essential personality traits. In a world where taking the easy way out is viewed as convenient, and unfortunately is often showcased, it is more important than ever to instill ethical responsibilities in our students.
During my graduate work, I was presented with several scenarios that revolved around the ethical responsibilities of this profession. For each situation, I described how I would have embraced the ideals of integrity, intellectual freedom, and privacy, while solving the scenario to my best ability. In order to create effective solutions, I consulted a multitude of sources dealing with ethical topics within school librarianship. I particularly enjoyed reading the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics as well as Freedom to Read Statement. By immersing myself in these documents, I came to view the principles described as pillars that the school librarian must uphold. This assignment was a realistic glimpse into what I will face as a school librarian. There will be times when my ideals are challenged, but by sticking to my standards and thinking creatively, I can ultimately find a solution that reinforces the core of my program. We need to teach students how to be ethical and effective users of information, as this is something that they will need to do in their daily lives. By embracing the school’s Academic Honor Code and creating presentations and /or classroom activities that reflect these standards, we will create an atmosphere that values integrity and hard work. Aside from advocating academic integrity, we must also uphold other values of the school library. I seek to create an environment where access to information is open, freedom is encouraged, and privacy is maintained. Each student not only has the right to gain the knowledge that they choose, but more importantly to feel comfortable in knowing that they will not be judged in any way. I must constantly demonstrate that my program has high expectations for integrity as well as pass this mentality on to those around me. If I succeed in creating a space in which ethics and intellectual freedom are treasured, students will understand that this is also important in their lives. My goal is to create a library program that celebrates the quest for knowledge and displays respect for those who seek to learn. We are in the unique position to influence the way that others think and act. We must create a space that encourages a thirst for knowledge and the creation of new thought. It is also our duty to give students the tools to seek and generate information in a responsible manner. When we succeed in fostering an environment that promotes the freedom of learning, we create students who will continue to uphold these values as they become participants in the world of information around us. |
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