Professional code of behaviour of the Armenian Librarian

Approved by the Association's Executive Board Meeting held in Yerevan on 11 June 2003.

The present Code of Behaviour is based upon internationally acknowledged ethical standards and principles. The relations of a librarian and a user are founded on mutual respect, without regard to their nationality, race, social status, political opinions, religion, gender, and age differences. Within the Code of Behaviour the right to free access to information is considered as one of the cornerstones of library service.

The librarian:

1. Provides all users with effective, publicly available information, and does not use information resources for the purpose of making the users dependent upon him/herself.
2. Fights against matters concerning the restriction of freedom and censorship of information.
3. Does not bear responsibility for the consequences of the usage of information by the user.
4. Guarantees the confidentiality and privacy of information services to the user (except for those regulated by law).
5. Respects and preserves the copyright and intellectual property rights.
6. Preserves the intellectual values of Armenians and of all nations, assists in their enrichment, and supports the cultural development of the national minorities living in Armenia.
7. Demonstrates concern for the profession of the librarian, the high social status of librarianship and its authority.
8. Respects his/her colleagues, is ready to support and cooperate with them.
9. Devotes his/her professional abilities, strength and energy to his/her library, and strives to resolve its problems.
10. Continuously enriches his/her professional knowledge.

It is the moral and professional duty of each and every librarian in the RA to adhere to the above mentioned Code of Behaviour.