Competency A
Demonstrate awareness of the ethics, values, and foundational principles of one of the information professions, and discuss the importance of those principles within that profession.
Understanding the Competency
Ethics, values, and foundational principles of information professions are not abstract ideals that exist separately from practice. They are frameworks that guide how information professionals make decisions, manage risk, and uphold trust. In library and information science, ethics shape how we balance access with responsibility, neutrality with accountability, and transparency with confidentiality. These principles inform not only what information we provide, but also how we steward information that is sensitive, restricted, or potentially harmful if misused.
Ethical awareness in LIS requires ongoing reflection. Information environments are constantly evolving due to technological change, shifting social values and new economic pressures. As a result, ethical practice is not static. It demands adaptability, critical thinking, and a willingness to question assumptions about authority, access, and professional responsibility. Whether working in libraries, archives, or corporate information settings, professionals must continually evaluate how their choices align with core values such as intellectual freedom, privacy, accuracy, stewardship, and respect for intellectual property.
Why It Matters to the Profession
Ethics are foundational to the credibility and social role of information professions. Libraries, archives, and information organizations are trusted institutions, and that trust depends on consistent ethical behavior. Decisions related to collection development, metadata creation, access restrictions, privacy protections, and rights management all carry ethical implications. Without a clear grounding in professional values, these decisions risk being shaped solely by convenience, profit, or unexamined bias.
One of the most enduring ethical principles in librarianship is intellectual freedom. According to the American Library Association, “intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored.” However, intellectual freedom does not exist in isolation. It must be balanced against other ethical responsibilities, including the protection of privacy, respect for creators’ rights, and the obligation to avoid harm. Ethical practice therefore involves navigating tensions rather than applying rigid rules.
In archival and asset management contexts, ethics are especially critical. Archivists and asset managers often work with materials that are unique, sensitive, or legally restricted. Decisions about description, access, and use can affect creators, rights holders, institutions, and audiences. Ethical awareness ensures that information professionals act as responsible stewards, preserving materials while honoring legal and moral obligations tied to ownership, confidentiality, and context.
Awareness of Ethics in an Information Environment
Ethics in an information environment are shaped by social, technological, and organizational factors. Information is not neutral, and neither are the systems that organize and deliver it. Algorithms, economic incentives, institutional policies, and power structures all influence what information is visible, accessible, or suppressed. Ethical awareness requires recognizing these influences, and understanding how they shape user experience and public knowledge.
For example, digital platforms often prioritize engagement and profitability, which can conflict with values like intellectual freedom, accuracy, and diversity of view points. Similarly, organizations may face pressure to monetize information or protect proprietary assets, creating ethical tensions around access and transparency. In “Exploring the ethics of information management in libraries: Privacy, copyright, and intellectual freedom” by Agarwal, R et al. (2025) they found that 85% of libraries collect user data, while only 50% of users know that their data is being collected (p.7879), a clear example of lack of transparency and understanding in library and information environments. Information professionals must be able to identify these pressures and make informed, values-driven decisions rather than defaulting to institutional inertia or technological determinism.
Ethical awareness also includes understanding the limits of access. As pointed out by Lili Luo in “Ethical issues in reference: An in-depth view from the librarians’ perspective”, some of “the major ethical issues facing reference librarians and other information professionals [are] tensions between protecting the right of access and protecting individuals or society from harm.” While LIS often emphasizes openness, unrestricted access is not always appropriate. Privacy concerns, cultural sensitivity, legal agreements, and intellectual property rights all require thoughtful restriction. Recognizing when and why information should be protected is just as important as advocating for access.
Impact of Ethics on the Organization
Ethical principles directly shape organizational culture, policy, and public trust. Institutions that prioritize ethical information practices are better positioned to manage risk, protect stakeholders, and maintain credibility. Clear ethical standards help guide employee behavior, particularly in environments where staff encounter sensitive, proprietary, or high-value information.
Within organizations, ethics influence how information flows internally as well as externally. Policies around access controls, confidentiality, and rights management determine who can see what, when, and for what purpose. Without ethical clarity, organizations risk data breaches, legal disputes, reputational harm, and internal confusion. Ethical frameworks provide structure, ensuring that information sharing aligns with both organizations' goals and professional responsibility.
Evidence 1
In INFO 204: Information Professions (Fall 2023), I completed a reflective paper on Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. While the book itself is framed as an accessible change-management story, my reflection used the text as a lens for examining professional responsibility, intellectual integrity, and ethical obligations that accompany decision-making in information environments. This artifact captures my early engagement with those foundation principles by emphasizing accountability, truth-seeking, and the need to actively interrogate accepted narratives rather than adopting them uncritically.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FTrxfxUVudN1pkxB5YzSOs2iqj4K_FMxM1miQtihMmQ/edit?usp=sharing
Description of the Artifact
In this paper, I analyzed Who Moved My Cheese (Johnson, 1999) through the behavior and motivations of its four characters–Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw–each representing a different response to change. I described how Sniff and Scurry act quickly and adapt instinctively, while Hem and Haw wrestle with fear, denial, and attachment to stability. I connected these character archetypes to change as a constant force in personal and professional life, including experiences such as frequent moves during childhood and observing organizational change within a workplace environment affected by market shifts and restructuring.
A key feature of this artifact is the way it opens with a discussion of misattribution and authority, using the popular quote often credited to Albert Einstein–“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”–and clarifying that it is frequently misattributed (Sterbenz, 2013). I used this example to highlight how easily information becomes accepted as “truth” when repeatedly widely, even when it is incorrect. This section functioned as more than a rhetorical hook, it framed my reflection around the broader responsibility to verify, attribute accurately, and resist the cultural tendency to accept convenient narratives without questioning their sources.
The paper then moved into personal reflection. I identified how my own relationship to change varies depending on context and described moments in my life where resisting change created harm, contrasted with periods where adaptability supported growth. I also analyzed the “messages on the wall” that Haw writes in the maze as lessons about managing fear, letting go of outdated beliefs, and recognizing small changes early. I concluded by connecting the book’s lessons to organizational realities, including the way companies increasingly invest in change management because resistance, misinformation, and fear can undermine institutional stability and employee well-being.
Justification and Connection to the Competency
This artifact demonstrates my awareness of ethics, values, and foundational principles by showing how I engage with the ethical dimensions of information and decision-making, even in a text that is not explicitly about librarianship. In LIS and related information professions, ethics are not limited to formal policies. They appear in everyday choices: how we interpret evidence, how we communicate information, how we respond to uncertainty, and how we treat the people impacted by institutional change. My focus on misattribution and the social acceptance of incorrect “truths” reflects a foundational ethical principle in information work–intellectual integrity. Information professionals are trusted intermediaries, and trust depends on accuracy, careful attribution, and a commitment to verification rather than assumption. The misattribution example illustrates how misinformation persists through repetition and authority. This is exactly the kind of issue that libraries and archives confront when supporting information literacy and responsible knowledge production.
The change-management focus also connects to ethics, because information professions operate in environments shaped by evolving technologies, shifting user needs, and institutional pressures. Ethical practice requires professionals to adapt thoroughly without abandoning core values. The characters Hem and Haw represent, in different ways, what happens when fear and attachment to “old cheese” prevent responsible action. In contrast, the paper emphasizes growth through reflection, acknowledging the harm that can occur when individuals or organizations refuse to acknowledge reality. This aligns with foundational professional values such as responsibility, accountability, and stewardship.
Finally, my reflection highlights ethical self-awareness as part of professional development. The competency asks for awareness of principles and their importance within a profession. This paper demonstrates that I understand ethical behavior as an ongoing practice rather than a static identity. By connecting the book’s lessons to workplace dynamics–fear, restructuring, and the need for resilience–I showed awareness that organizational change impacts not only workflows, but people. In information professions, ethical leadership includes supporting colleagues through change, communicating clearly, and avoiding practices that intensify confusion or inequity. This artifact therefore supports the competency by demonstrating that I can recognize ethical themes such as accuracy, obligation, and responsible adaptation, and connect them to professional conduct within information environments.
Evidence 2
A second artifact that demonstrates my mastery of this competency is a critical reflection and summary written for INFO 204: Information Professions (Fall 2023) on Nunn’s (2020) article, “Libraries and intellectual freedom in the age of technocapitalism.” In this work, I examined how intellectual freedom operates in a technology-driven society, how it can be constrained by algorithmic and economic forces, and why librarians must evaluate the conditions critically rather than assuming that access alone guarantees freedom of thought.
Description of the Artifact
In this artifact, I summarized Nunn’s central argument that modern libraries must reconsider traditional definitions of intellectual freedom within a technocapitalist environment. I described how Nunn defines capitalism, technocapitalism, and intellectual freedom in order to contextualize the profession’s historical relationship to intellectual freedom and its role in democratic society. I then outlined the author’s argument that intellectual freedom should be expanded to include engagement with ideas outside the dominant capitalist framework, particularly because technocapitalism can limit what information is visible, valued, or widely circulated.
A major focus of my summary was the way Nunn describes the transformation of information dissemination through technology. I highlighted the concern that algorithms can amplify confirmation bias and narrow the range of information users encounter, reinforcing preexisting beliefs and contributing to polarization. I also summarized Nunn’s use of Gramsci to argue that capitalism produces blind spots and tunnel vision, shaping ideology in ways that may contradict true intellectual freedom.
Importantly, my artifact did not stop at summary. I evaluated the argument critically by identifying omissions and weaknesses. In particular, I noted that while Nunn discusses algorithms and the information landscape, the article does not sufficiently address the connection between algorithmic systems and surveillance. These issues raise ethical questions about privacy and the potential restriction of free-thought through monitoring. I also critiqued claims about human nature and extremity, arguing that assertions about human behavior require stronger evidence. I concluded by affirming the article’s value as a prompt for professional reflection, while also emphasizing the need for rigorous support when discussing social systems and human behavior.
Justification and Connection to the Competency
This artifact demonstrates my awareness of the ethics, values, and foundational principles of librarianship by engaging deeply with intellectual freedom as both an ideal and a contested practice. Intellectual freedom is not simply a slogan, it is an ethical commitment that shapes collection development, programming, reference services, and policy decisions. My analysis shows that I understand intellectual freedom as a foundational professional value that must be examined within real-world conditions–especially where information access is shaped by corporate technologies and economic incentives.
The artifact also demonstrates an understanding that ethical principles do not exist in isolation. My critique about surveillance points directly to the ethical tension between intellectual freedom and privacy. Libraries have historically emphasized user privacy, because surveillance can chill inquiry and restrict free exploration. In a technocapitalist environment, where platforms often rely on tracking and personalization, intellectual freedom can be undermined not by over-censorship but by subtle structural mechanisms (i.e., filtering, ranking, and behavioral profiling). By identifying surveillance as an omission, I showed awareness that professional ethics must address the full ecosystem of information access, not only the content itself.
Additionally, this artifact reflects my understanding of the ethical importance of critical evaluation within the profession. Information professionals have a responsibility to assess arguments, evidence, and assumptions carefully, particularly when they influence policy. My willingness to question unsupported claims about human nature demonstrates intellectual integrity and professional accountability. Rather than accepting the author’s framing uncritically, I evaluated the argument’s strengths and limitations, modeling the kind of ethical reasoning that is necessary in professional practice–escpeccially when addressing complex topics like bias, ideology, and technological power.
Ultimately, this artifact supports competency by demonstrating that I can identify a foundational professional principle, analyze how it is complicated by modern information conditions, and articulate why those ethical questions matter. It shows that I understand librarianship’s ethical responsibilities as active and evolving, requiring ongoing interrogation of the systems that shape what people are able to know, access, and consider.
Evidence 3
The third piece of evidence that supports this competency is a professional reflection based on my experience as a Creative Asset Management intern at Universal Creative. This evidence has no link attached, but rather is a narrative reflection below. This experience aligns closely with Competency A, because it illustrates how ethical decision-making functions in real-world information environments where access must be balanced with discretion, trust, and risk management.
Description of the Artifact
In my role as a Creative Asset Management intern, I contributed to information organization and access work in both digital and physical contexts. I supported a database transfer project of digital assets and created finding aids for physical media, working directly with the Media team to improve internal discoverability and usability of assets. The core purpose of this work was to strengthen internal access–ensuring that teams could locate and use materials efficiently–while maintaining appropriate controls around sensitive content.
A defining feature of my internship experience has been the nature of the information I encounter. Many of the assets and records connected to my work are either in-development or consist of historical plans and materials that were never released publicly. This creates an ethical environment where discretion is not optional, but foundational to the role. I can discuss what is public-facing and already released, but even then, ethical practice requires awareness of boundaries. What is public because it has been intentionally released is different from what is simply known internally or visible through privileged access. This distinction is central to corporate information ethics and to rights management.
Additionally, my day-to-day work emphasized that access is not uniform, even within an organization. Information within corporate creative environments is often segmented intentionally. Different departments hold different pieces of knowledge, and information is shared based on role responsibilities and project needs rather than curiosity or proximity. This reality shaped how I approached communication and collaboration.
Justification and Connection to the Competency
This reflection demonstrates ethical awareness in a direct, applied way by showing that I understand confidentiality as a foundational professional value in many information professions, particularly corporate archives, DAM/MAM environments, and creative asset stewardship. Trust is a core currency in information work. When handling sensitive materials, the institution must be able to rely on the professional’s judgment. My experience reinforced that ethical responsibility includes controlling the flow of information and understanding that "access" is not always an unquestioned good. In this context, responsible limitation is a form of stewardship.
A major point of professional growth was learning to operate within a need-to-know mindset. I observed that there are many things I know that others do not, and vice versa, and that this asymmetry is both normal and purposeful. Ethically, this required me to practice restraint and avoid treating privileged access as socially shareable knowledge. Even within the company, ethical communication involves understanding who has a legitimate reason to know information and who does not. This is especially important in environments where premature disclosure can harm partnerships, violate agreements, or compromise creative work.
This evidence also connects strongly to rights management, a foundational principle in corporate information settings. In creative industries, assets are rarely simple files. They often carry complex rights restrictions, partnership considerations, and usage limitations across time, territory, and medium. My internship reinforced that rights-aware stewardship is not only a legal obligation but an ethical one. Mishandling rights can cause harm across the entire creative ecosystem and undermine institutional credibility.
For creators, improper use or disclosure of assets can erode control over how their work is represented, contextualized, or monetized, ultimately compromising creative intent and professional recognition. For partners, failures in rights management can violate contractual agreements, strain collaborative relationships, and expose organizations to significant legal and financial risk. Audiences are also affected when materials are released prematurely, altered without authorization, or presented without appropriate context, leading to misinformation, distorted historical understanding, or diminished trust in the authenticity of cultural products and the institutions that steward them.
The internship clarified that information professionals in corporate environments must balance accessibility with protection. These environments must support internal discovery and reuse, while maintaining confidentiality and respecting intellectual property boundaries. Overall, this evidence demonstrates my ability to apply ethical principles in practice, not just describe them theoretically. It shows that I understand how confidentiality, controlled access, and rights awareness function as foundational professional values in information work, particularly within corporate and creative asset management environments where stewardship must be both service-oriented and risk-aware.
Conclusion
In my future career, I will continue to apply ethical principles by grounding my work in professional values such as intellectual freedom & integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, and responsible stewardship. My interest in archives and creative asset management has reinforced for me that ethical decision-making is not abstract, but embedded in daily practice. Whether managing metadata, designing access systems, or handling restricted materials, ethical awareness ensures that information is treated with care and respect.
Through my studies it has also become clear to me that library professionals possess a high-level of ethical awareness and commitment (Ferguson et al.,), so to remain informed, I plan to stay engaged with professional organizations and ongoing discourse around ethics in LIS, particularly as it relates to technology, intellectual property, and access. As information environments grow more complex, ethical literacy will remain essential. This competency reflects my ability to recognize ethical challenges, evaluate them critically, and act in ways that uphold the values and integrity of the information profession.
References
Agarwal, R., Rao, S. S. S., Singh, M., Singh, R., & Ramesh, E. (2025). Exploring the ethics of information management in libraries: Privacy, copyright, and intellectual freedom. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 15, 7873–7880. https://doi.org/10.64252/h0vcpm64
American Library Association. (n.d.). Intellectual freedom and censorship Q & A. American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorship/faq
Luo, L. (2016). Ethical issues in reference: An in-depth view from the librarians’ perspective. RUSQ: A Journal of Reference and User Experience, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.55n3.188
Ferguson, S. (2016). Beyond codes of ethics: How library and information professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in a complex and dynamic information environment. International Journal of Information Management, 36(4), 543–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.02.012
