In this chapter, John T. F. Burgess provides a short introduction to ethics and ethical challenges that you may encounter as a reference librarian. The author looks at various LIS codes of ethics and statements and provides guidance on the variations of these codes and how they affect the individual and the profession. In an ever-changing world, this chapter provides discussions that will raise more questions than it answers -- a true indicator of ethical discussions.
In addition to the discussion questions below, the authors have provided 2 boxes in this chapter, both followed by questions for reflection and discussion to strengthen students' understanding of this chapter. Be sure to check out Box 2.1 Case Study: To Be or Not to Be (p. 35), which is based on a scenario developed by Richard Rubin and Box 2.2 Activity: "Trashy" Books in the School Library (p. 36).
