CODE OF ETHICS
The BLIA Code of Ethics is in line with the “IFLA Code of Ethics for librarians and other information professionals” from August 2012.
This document is prepared with an understanding of the importance of libraries and information institutions in modern society and their role in providing access to information for all as one of the fundamental human rights and observing professional ethical norms.
Preamble
We, librarians and information professionals, work actively to confirm the leading role of libraries in the development of the civil and information society.
As a distributor of knowledge and ideas, culture and traditions, national and universal values, we create an atmosphere of trust, tolerance and pluralism in the spiritual and cultural space of the country and the world, guided by the following principles:
1. Ensuring equal access to information
We support the thesis that the primary mission of libraries is to provide free access to information and services for personal development, education, cultural enrichment, entertainment, economic activity and informed citizenship.
We provide and offer a high professional level of library information service to users through a variety of library collections, access to databases, and bibliographic information we create, while observing the principles of objectivity and impartiality in terms of selection, access and service of information.
We guarantee equal rights of access to information for all and do not allow any form of censorship or discrimination based on age, citizenship, political beliefs, physical or mental capabilities, gender identity, education, income, marital status, background, ethnicity, race or religion.
2. Responsibility to society and users
With our experience and expertise, we help users gain reliable and credible information by providing tools and skills to detect and recognize "false information", and so we actively participate in the fight against "fake news" and disinformation.
We encourage information literacy and the skills of users to identify, find, evaluate, organize and create, use and transmit information.
We strive to apply high professional standards and quality of service to be as relevant as possible to the information needs of our users and to enhance the good image of the profession.
We create a public interest in the mission of libraries and lobby for support and advocacy by state institutions, local government, NGOs and public associations.
3. Protection of personal data and information
We protect all consumer rights related to the secret of reading, the confidentiality of the information sought and used, respect for private and family life, home and communications, the protection of personal data, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression of opinion and freedom of information, as well as cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
4. Compliance with the copyright
As a navigator in the modern information environment, we provide adequate access to information and familiarize our users with the rules for correct use.
We acknowledge the intellectual property rights of authors and other artists and strive to ensure that their rights are respected by encouraging the ethical use of information and helping to prevent plagiarism and other forms of copyright abuse.
5. Professional behavior and Ethical Standards
We treat our colleagues with respect and propriety and partner with them in good faith, honestly and openly.
We do not allow our personal interests and opinions to dominate at the expense of users, colleagues or the institution we represent, as well as actions that undermine the prestige of the institution and/or the profession.
With competence, professional ethics and loyalty, we work to promote a high public status of our profession and the authority of the library institution.