Hello colleagues,
The Library Consultants Interest Group (LCIG - formerly ILEX) has developed a Library Consultants Code of Ethics (shown below and attached.) There will be an Open Forum to discuss the draft code at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas.
Sunday, January 22, 4-5:30 pm, DCC D224
We invite all library consultants, whether independent or part of a library organization, to join us at the Open Forum to discuss the Code of Ethics.
Nancy Bolt
Library Consultants Code of Ethics
The purpose of this Code is to help library consultants maintain their professionalism and adhere to high ethical standards as they provide services to clients and in their dealings with their colleagues and in their commitment to the public and the library profession. The individual members must use their judgment to apply these principles.
- I will serve my clients with integrity, competence, independence, objectivity, and professionalism.
- I will mutually establish with my clients realistic expectations of the benefits and results of my services.
- I will only accept assignments for which I possess the requisite experience and competence to perform and will only assign staff or engage colleagues with the knowledge and expertise needed to serve my clients effectively.
- Before accepting any engagement, I will ensure that I have worked with my clients to establish a mutual understanding of the objectives, scope, work plan, timetable, and fee arrangements.
- I will treat appropriately all confidential client information that is not public knowledge, take reasonable steps to prevent it from access by unauthorized people, and will not take advantage of proprietary or privileged information, either for use by myself, the client's organization , or another client, without the client's permission.
- I will avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of such and will immediately disclose to the client circumstances or interests that I believe may influence my judgment or objectivity.
- I will offer to withdraw from a consulting assignment when I believe my objectivity or integrity may be impaired.
- I will agree in advance with a client on the basis for fees and expenses and will charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services delivered and the responsibility accepted.
- I will not accept commissions, remuneration, or other benefits from a third party in connection with the recommendations to a client without that client's prior knowledge and consent, and I will disclose in advance any financial interests in goods or services that form part of such recommendations.
10. If within the scope of my engagement, I will report to appropriate authorities within or external to the client organization any occurrences of malfeasance, dangerous behavior, or illegal activities.
11. I will respect the rights of consulting colleagues and consulting firms and will not use their proprietary information or methodologies without permission.
12. I will represent the library profession with integrity and professionalism in my relations with my clients, colleagues, and the general public.
13. I will not advertise my services in a deceptive manner nor misrepresent or denigrate individual consulting practitioners, consulting firms, or the consulting profession.
This Code of Ethics is based on a Code developed by the Institute of Management Consultants. We thank IMC for their permission to use their Code as the basis of this Code.