Ethical issues in providing library services to distance learners

Abstract

The authors, library practitioners from either side of the Atlantic Ocean, embarked on a dialogue about the ethical challenges encountered in providing library services to distance learners. Unable to find an existing, appropriate ethical framework for their discussion, they agreed to devise their own, informed by relevant professional codes and guidelines. They propose 10 ethical principles for the provision of library services to distance learners. Drawing on their own experience, they highlight the challenges these principles present in practice and the responsibilities of librarians and their institutions to meet them.

Keywords:

• Distance education
• Ethics
• Library administration
• Library policy
• Library services