Articles

Ethics and the Reference Archivist

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Abstract

Codes of ethics provide directions for conduct. Ethical concepts imply rightness, fairness, obligation, and consistency. Further, they generally arise out of need, when there have been conflicts between performance and perceived ideal conduct. Reference is the archival function where ethical dilemmas are most apparent. Reference archivists are faced with the need to protect the papers in their care, assuring that any contractual arrangements with donors are met, while at the same time providing the fullest possible service to patrons consistent with the rules and regulations of their repositories. How well the archivist carries out these sometimes conflicting duties greatly influences the patron's image of a repository. Archivists and patrons have both rights and responsibilities as they engage in providing service and making use of it.

How to Cite:

Lankford, N., (1983) “Ethics and the Reference Archivist”, Archival Issues 8(1), 7–13. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/archivalissues.8184