Professional Ethics

As a professional organization convened around the idea of service and the common good, the Texas Library Association seeks to embody the highest standards in professionalism at all levels. To this end, the mission and work of the Association focuses on encouraging, recognizing, and providing services and practices that serve the members of the Association, the libraries and educational institutions of Texas, and all the people libraries serve.

We aim to further the excellence and skills of our members, support the advancement of libraries and library practices, and protect the Intellectual Freedom rights of the people we serve.

TLA has proudly adopted the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association. We strive to interpret these philosophies broadly and embed them in all areas of our work. Through our association-wide activities and member participation, TLA commits to these core ideals.

From the American Library Association Code of Ethics

1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
3. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.