Russian Librarian's Professional Ethics Code

Russian Library Association

Russian Librarian's Professional Ethics Code

In his/her professional activity a Russian Librarian:

builds his/her relations with users on the basis of respect for a person and his information needs;

considers free access to information as person's inherent right;

assures high quality, comfortableness, accessibility, and variety of service through the use of resources of his/her institution and other library resources;

resists to access restriction to library materials and does not allow unauthorized withdrawing and groundless refusal (censorship) of requested documents;

does not account for the consequences of using information or document obtained at a library;

keeps the confidentiality of data on a user and his information activity (except for cases provided for legislation);

admits copyright to intellectual property;

aims at professional perfection, professional education and competence increase;

respects his/her colleagues' knowledge and hands over his/her knowledge willingly, considering it as the major condition of profession development;

treats all his/her colleagues with respect, defends their rights if they do not contradict ethical standards and promote the profession authority;

is concerned about high social status of his/her profession and strives to strengthen its reputation by his/her activity.

Approved on April 22, 1999, on the 4th Annual Session of the Conference of Russian Library Association. http://www.rba.ru