My favorite article on the topic thus far: Gordon, Rachel Singer. "Speech wants to be free. " Library Journal. 129.9 (May 15, 2004): 58(1).
One of the common sense things she says:
An article in which two doctors discussing this same issue regarding physicians' blogs.Gordon, Phillip V., and Deborah C. Peel. "Do physician bloggers compromise patient privacy?(POINT/COUNTERPOINT)" Clinical Psychiatry News. 35.10 (Oct 2007): 13(1).When faced with the temptation to flame, defame, or otherwise present yourself unprofessionally online, think about the permanence of your Internet expression and take the time to post as you wish others to remember you. Recognize the online environment as a professional environment, and work to interact meaningfully, in the same way you work to present yourself professionally in your workplace, at a conference, or in the library literature.
Dr. Peel says,
Physicians who write about their patients in blogs violate the law and the Hippocratic oath, regardless of whether they blog anonymously or take steps to conceal the identities of their patients. Patients have a right to feelings of trust and safety when they consent to treatment from a physician, and these basic conditions for treatment are destroyed if patients fear that their doctors will blog about them. This may sound like an infringement of a physician's right to free speech, but as physicians, our primary relationship to our patients is defined by medical--not constitutional--rights.As library employees, many of us have codes of ethics, too.
- From the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association : "iii We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted."
- Code of Ethics for my employing county:
"To earn the trust and confidence of our customers we will: Respect the dignity and diversity of all individuals; Act with integrity and honesty in our work and relationships with others; Hold as confidential all information accepted in trust...In pursuing these goals and keeping these commitments, we will maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct."
1 comment:
I reeeeally like these comments and particularly the comparison with Health Professionals. I can only hope that we as “Information Professionals”, understand and take seriously the responsibility we bear to those we assist. Just as we respect patrons’ privacy in the way of their book titles, likewise I believe that we should respect individuality and even attributes that some may perceive as weaknesses. We are all works-in-progress and part of the human family. Interestingly (and ironically in the cases where they are disparaged), most patrons are coming to us to learn, grow, relax, or somehow become stronger. All of us experience human frailty and public library business is about sharing, trusting, and helping others discover potential. We can be the great leveler. Better to build up, rather than to knock down for whatever the reason—humor, venting, or to combat someone’s own insecurity. Generally, I have found that Kindness and Compassion are much more powerful and profound in the long run, as compared to unyielding logic, a rapier but cruel wit, and a superior attitude. And believe me, I love a great sense of humor as much as the next guy! You can be extremely funny without being cruel, but I digress….It all just comes down to common courtesy. A wise person once told me, “Best before you speak (or blog or flame, etc.) to ask yourself 3 simple questions: Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary?”
Post a Comment