Libraries as trusted gateways to knowledge

Libraries as trustedLibraries as trustedgateways to knowledgegateways to knowledge

Uldis ZarinsNational Library of Latvia

Global Meeting of Experts on the Ethical Aspects of Information SocietyRiga, 17 October 2013

Libraries and WSIS

• Libraries – major actors of knowledge society

• Supporting WSIS in the action lines: Access to information and knowledge E-learning, E-science Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity

and local content

• Essential partners in theInformation for All Programme

Libraries and knowledge society

• Libraries implement in practice the WSIS ideals of universal access to information and knowledge for development of inclusive knowledge societies

• Libraries embody the Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, providing:• Free and equitable access to information resources

• Free and equitable access to ICT

• Free and eqitable assistance to effectively use both

Mission of the libraries

• To preserve and safeguard the cultural heritage of the world

• To provide free and equitable access to knowledge

• To support the intelectual development of every member of society

• To promote lifelong learning and information literacy in society

Ethics of librarianship

• Libraries honour the principles of:– Free speech– Rights to information– Rights to privacy– Transparency – Neutrality, including net neutrality– Ethical use of information

• Libraries reject: – Censorship and other restrictions to access to

information

Libraries as trusted institutions

• Collections and services are unbiased and neutral• Collections contain carefully evaluated publications

of highest quality• Services are provided on the basis of equality of

access to all and for free, if possible• Provide advice on the most reliable sources of

online information• Provide guidance on best practice of access to and

use of information• Guarantee the privacy of the user and his personal

data

New ethical issues in libraries

• How to deal with the information bubble – and not to create one themselves?– By acquisition policies– By digitisation policies– By digital preservation policies

• Neutral content vs quality content • Can libraries really ensure the privacy of the

user?

Thank you!

Questions?