Libraries’ ethical principles are arguably one of the things that makes us unique in the information environment. The results of our survey into IFLA’s own Code of Ethics underlines continued commitment to the themes, but also an awareness of evolving responsibilities.

IFLA’s Code of Ethics, agreed and released in 2012, has not only provided a reference point for library and information workers around the world, but also an inspiration for associations and institutions in developing their own tools.

Yet with ethics being all about applying constant principles to different situations, it is important to be able to reflect on how changing circumstances and needs affect how we work.

Following a request from IFLA’s Governing Board in 2024, IFLA’s Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression launched work to understand more both about the use of the IFLA Code, and how its relevance and impact could be improved.

A survey therefore ran earlier in 2025 in order to gather feedback, with almost 700 colleagues from around the world sharing their inputs.

Access the report via our Repository

 

Key takeaways from the survey results include:

  • The importance of taking account of local cultural and other factors in developing codes of ethics, alongside global references such as IFLA’s
  • The role of associations and professional training in building awareness of codes, but also a generally ‘soft’ approach to upholding them. Frequency of reference to codes varied by region, although was relatively similar across types of respondent
  • Strong agreement about the ongoing significance of the themes covered by the IFLA code (access to information, privacy, neutrality, open access, colleague relationships and responsibilities to society)
  • A stronger sense that ethical responsibilities have changed in some areas than others, in particular around access to information and open access/intellectual property
  • A range of ideas around the drivers of changes, highlighting technological, political, economic, social and cultural factors
  • Suggestions for additional areas to cover, covering issues such as environmental sustainability, advocacy, the work of associations and more

The Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Advisory Committee will be taking these results and using them in the next steps of their work on the Code. Keep an eye on their website for more!