The Code of Ethics is an American Library Association (ALA) document. This document translates the values of intellectual freedom. These values define the profession of librarianship into broad principles.
Library workers can use these principles as a framework for dealing with situations involving ethical conflicts. Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The ALA Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.
The Code of Ethics guides us in ethical decision-making around privacy issues in this statement:
“We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.”