Description
Book SynopsisEthics and Values in Librarianship: A History addresses the processes of development of library and information sciences, largely but not exclusively in a western context. It focuses on the field's ethics and values. Here, Wallace Koehler, a leading researcher in the area of information ethics, debunks the prevailing notion that library and information science concepts and ethics have and remain constant. He demonstrates that in almost all areas of practice, this is simply not so. Instead of staying the same, our professional ethics and standards have evolved or shifted in their application as well as in the recognition of those standards by practitioners and users. Some of these changes are of very recent etiology. Topics covered include: the freedom of expression, intellectual freedom, libraries and democracy, intellectual property, copyright, and fair use and, professional qualifications and credentialing. Koehler examines the development of and changes to library and information
Trade ReviewIn his book, Ethics and Values in Librarianship: A History, Wallace Koehler provides a thoughtful overview of library philosophy and history, focusing on our ethical perspectives. . . .[The book] is a dense and thought-provoking work that's full of historical insight and perspective. It will provide practicing librarians with much food for thought. . . .Students, library theorists, and practitioners will all find valuable insights here. * Information Today *
This ambitious and provocative book studies the origin and likely future of libraries and librarianship.... This is a readable and interesting book with important messages and exhaustive footnoting. Anyone interested in the history and future of librarianship, particularly its ethics and values, will need to read this book. * ELAN: Ex Libris Association Newsletter *
This is an excellent study of the ethics and values of the information world, which identifies key themes and lays out all the relevant arguments about them with a strong historical focus. It will be helpful to those, including students, looking at problems focusing on the library in the community. * Library & Information History *
An extremely thorough analysis of the history of ethics and values in librarianship by Wallace Koehler, who has been publishing in this field for the past 30 years.... The book could be used as core reading in library schools as each chapter brings its own ethical questions.... While focusing on the historical context, this book is also extremely up-to-date. The chapter on censorship and freedom of speech does not fail to mention the Charlie Hebdo event. There is also an impressive analysis of the digital revolution and ethics with quotes from Luciano Floridi. * Library and Information Research *
The intellectual and philosophical foundations of Western librarianship are discussed with verve and depth in Library Values and Ethics: A History. Dr. Wallace Koehler engages with sweeping concepts spanning works from polymath Marcus Terentius Varro (116 BC – 27 BC) to the digital revolution and ethical infosphere in the twenty-first century as examined by Luciano Floridi . Library Values and Ethics: A History is required reading for students and information workers who wish to understand the theoretical development of librarianship. -- Kathleen de la Peña McCook, Distinguished Professor of Librarianship, School of Information, University of South Florida
In the words of the Elvis Presley song, 'It takes a big man to wear big boots'. Information ethics are a big pair of boots and Wallace Koehler proves he's a big enough man to wear them. He walks us around an extensive literature from Library Science and various philosophical domains showing a sure tread and a firm, consistent sense of direction. This book will be a welcome resource for librarians and students for many years to come. -- Paul Sturges, Emeritus Professor, Loughborough University, UK, and Chair of IFLA Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee 2003-2009
Wallace Koehler’s book on the history of information ethics brings together the small but growing body of literature that traces the historical development and evolution of information and professional ethics. The wide ranging topics and reference to issues and context far beyond libraries makes the book appealing to disciplines far beyond libraries. It also serves as a bridge between the library field and other fields interested in information technology and its ethical implications for information. -- Dick Kawooya, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Chapter 1 Libraries and Ethics Chapter 2 Stewardship and Service Chapter 3 Classification Chapter 4 On Public Libraries Chapter 5 On the Freedom of Expression, Intellectual Freedom, and their Control Chapter 6 Libraries and Democracy Chapter 7 Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Fair Use Chapter 8 Qualifications of the Librarian Chapter 9 Love of Libraries and Advice on Library Formation Chapter 10 New Conditions and New Principles Chapter 11 Concluding Chapter Index About the Author
