[Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics

[krboldt at uproc.lib.mi.us]

Hello,

I'd like to just throw my two cents in because I've been following this
thread with great interest.

I tend to agree with our colleagues Karyn, Matt, Jennifer, and Kat on the
addition of the ninth tenet in the ALA code of ethics. In particular, I
agree with Matt that the tone of the last sentence of the new addition is
vastly different than the the previous eight. It implies the need for
certain types of activism in the workplace that directly impacts carrying
out many of the other tenets. Particularly, tenet six refers to avoiding
the advancement of private interests at the expense of library users and
colleagues. I understand that some people believe in the type of activism
inferred in the new ethic. However, this may not be the case for all
employees or all library users. I like the simplicity of the previous
codes so that any and all viewpoints can be expressed by staff and users
alike.

What's more, the first sentence, to my mind, is redundant. The first,
third, fifth tenets directly reference providing unbiased and respectful
service to all library users and colleagues - which I would argue
inherently affirms a person's dignity and rights.

This is why I believe the ninth tenet is rendered unnecessary. I can't
speak to the history of the established code of ethics of the ALA and
whether or not we have adhered to them as an industry with the honesty and
respect claimed, but I think the first eight tenets listed in the ALA code
of ethics are worthy of striving toward. Righting the wrongs of the past
require us to live up to the lofty goals we've set for ourselves rather
than create new language to speak directly to the issues of the current
day.

I dislike the feeling of being misunderstood, and I think that is what has
compelled me to add to this thread. I can't speak for anyone but myself,
but I think generally that anyone who is against the addition to the ALA
code of ethics is not against equality, subliminally or blatantly. I think
we are against the notion that we need new language to complicate the
first eight tenets of the ALA code of ethics.

Some of the less respectful comments in this thread are, I believe,
exactly why these sorts of threads materialize and why people feel they
need to make strong public declarations as opposed to have reasonable and
malleable discussions. I'd love to have the discussion though. I'd really
love to hear from those who like the new addition. Would you share
practices that you have implemented or plan to implement in order to
support the ninth code? I understand the ALA cannot do so, but perhaps
getting a sense of what this code would look like in practice might help
me to better understand or even change my mind.

I'd like to add that I have yet to work with anyone who does not treat
people with kindness and respect. I have yet to meet a fellow colleague
outside of our little library who does not do the same. I rarely meet
patrons who do not also strive to treat staff and fellow patrons with
respect as well. With that said, I am not trying to imply that there is
never room for improvement or that just because something hasn't happened
to me or in front of me that it doesn't happen.

I'd like to end just by saying that, regardless of whether we agree or not
on the issues brought up in this thread, I think discussion is healthy and
my assumption, until proven wrong, is that the people I work alongside in
this industry are professionals who care deeply about the communities they
serve. And I have yet to be proven wrong.

Thanks so much and have a great weekend,

Kelsey Boldt
Assistant Librarian
Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library
317 N. Main St.
Ishpeming, MI 49849