Describes unethical practices in library automation, including vendors'"low-balling" bids in order to make sales; libraries' stating required specifications so that only one vendor can qualify; and consultants compromising their objectivity and independence. Procedures to help identify and prevent such practices in the future are…

Representatives of five library integrated system vendors express their views on ethics and the marketplace, emphasizing the need for ethical behavior by librarians, consultants, and vendors. Four sidebars are included: one on the need for customer data rights standards; others containing the codes of ethics of three professional consultants'…

In their efforts to deal with change and enhance library and information services, librarians must distinguish between personal philosophies and those of an institution or professional body, and avoid situations where personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of users, colleagues, or employers. (Author/EM)

Gurnsey's article characterizes the United Kingdom's code for consultants as a guide to good practice but lacking enforcement measures; the text of the code is appended. Drabenstott has edited a forum of consultants' views on ethics in the library automation process. (EM)

Examines moral, legal, and professional arguments for the protection of a library patron's privacy; gives examples of confidentiality challenges; and concludes that librarians should lobby for legal recognition of librarian/patron privilege of confidentiality. Computer technology and privacy are discussed, and the American Library Association…

Cites the importance of having a state law, knowing what it says, and having a library policy statement regarding the confidentiality of patron records. Discussion covers writing and implementing a policy, the role of automation, existing laws, library records defined, exceptions to confidentiality, and legal liability. Thirty-seven references are…

Five articles address issues concerned with personnel management in libraries. Topics discussed include ethical issues; hiring practices, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL); technological changes in libraries that affect motivation and work attitudes; career planning in…

Issues concerning the confidentiality of library-patron records in the age of electronics are explored. Confidentiality of patron records is a relatively new concept for libraries and was first introduced in the 1938 Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (ALA). Librarians have worked on a state-by-state basis to protect library…