Ethical Issues in Library and Information Science: A Cursory Look at the Nigerian Practice
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Date
2022
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Niger Delta Journal of Library and Information Science, Otuoke
Abstract
The importance of library and information science to the evolution of modern societies cannot be
overemphasized. In meeting the set objectives of its task of national development, ethical principles
which are labelled as professional codes of conduct are put in place to regulate the practice of library
and information professionals. Since the practices of librarians and the different challenges in the field
vary depending on space and location, this paper looks at the critical ethical issues in library and
information science in Nigeria. The paper discusses the ethical practices in the library and information
science profession in Nigeria such as universal access to information, intellectual property rights,
intellectual freedom, copyright/fair use, and privacy/confidentiality, and proposes solutions to these
hindrances. While engaging with the ethical issues militating against the performance of library and
information professionals in Nigeria, this conceptual paper identifies, among others, major hindrances
in unequal access to information, copyright infringement, ethical dilemmas, non-protection of privacy,
and confidentiality, and lack of information security plan. The conclusion of the paper strikes a balance
between the code of practice and the challenges highlighted by supporting the urgent need by all
stakeholders to take, more seriously, the issue of ethics and practice in order to navigate the sundry
challenges highlighted and to improve on the current status of library and information science practice
in Nigeria.
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Keywords
Ethical issues, Nigeria, library and information science, code of practice
Citation
Afolayan, O. T. (2022). Ethical Issues in Library and Information Science: A Cursory Look at the Nigerian Practice. Niger Delta Journal of Library and Information Science, 3(1), 16-25.