Enforcement of the Code of Ethics Q&A

The principles discussed in the American Library Association’s (ALA) Code of Ethics are broad statements to guide library workers and boards in ethical decision-making. This Q&A is an extension of the Code to further expand and assist in that decision-making.

Why should a library adopt the Code of Ethics if it’s not enforced, and what can I do to support it?

The Code of Ethics helps everyone understand the values and responsibilities of library workers, even if they are not strict rules. It guides our decisions and actions, ensuring we support intellectual freedom and access to information. You can support the Code by: 

  • Posting it in your workplace 

  • Learning about relevant laws and how they might affect ethical behavior 

  • Encouraging your workplace to adopt it as a policy 

  • Promoting ethics education

  • Personally committing to live by these values and continually reflecting on your own ethical practices

Libraries should make decisions internally on any disciplinary actions for violating the Code of Ethics.

Can the Code of Ethics be enforced, and are there any consequences for violating it? 

The American Library Association does not enforce the Code of Ethics. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations. 

Libraries are encouraged to adopt the Code of Ethics locally. This way, each library can handle enforcement and ensure compliance with local laws.

What is the relationship between the Code of Ethics and the ALA Code of Conduct?

ALA is a voluntary organization and no library or library employee is required to follow the Code of Ethics or any other policies of ALA Council within their local jurisdiction. These policies are best practices, developed and offered as guidance, for their governing agencies in writing their own policies. 

ALA has enforceable Codes of Conduct for online discussions and meetings/ conferences.1 These codes are based on the values in the Code of Ethics. Violations of these Codes of Conduct can result in removal from meetings, conferences, or online discussion platforms. 

Libraries may develop their own codes of conduct or library use policies based on the principles in the Code of Ethics and other core documents.

Is there an ethical obligation to speak up and push for changes to policies that are harmful to the public or my profession? 

Library workers should feel an ethical obligation to speak up when they see violations of the Code of Ethics. Some examples include: 

  • You are an academic librarian who disagrees with the university’s lack of a privacy policy for electronic resources 

  • You are a children’s librarian who disagrees with the library’s policy of fines for children 

  • You are a library director and your trustees disagree with your stance on not having internet filters on computers 

  • You are a school library worker and your administrator wants you to remove a book without going through the library reconsideration process.

Library workers will need to use their judgment to decide when and how to speak up. Workers denied employment rights while defending the Code of Ethics may seek support from the LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund.2

Where can I find more information?

Additional questions about the Code of Ethics can be directed to the Committee on Professional Ethics c/o the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom by phone at (312) 280-4221 or by email at oif@ala.org.3

NOTES 

1. American Library Association, “Online Code of Conduct,” ALA Connect (website), connect.ala.org/codeofconduct 

2. American Library Association, LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund (website), ala.org/aboutala/affiliates/relatedgroups/merrittfund/merritthumanitarian 

3. American Library Association, Committee on Professional Ethics (website), ala.org/aboutala/committees/ala/ala-profethic; American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom (website), ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif

Adopted January 2009 by the ALA Committee on Professional Ethics; amended January 28, 2019; and September 24, 2024