Case Studies in Ethics.

• Author: Pemberton, J. Michael
• Position: Book Review

TITLE: Ethics and the Archival Profession: Introduction and Case Studies

AUTHOR: Karen Benedict

ISBN: 1-931666-05-9

PUBLISHER: Society of American Archivists (SAA)

PUBLICATION DATE: 2003

LENGTH: 90 pages

PRICE: $34.95 or $24.95 for SAA members (paperback edition) U.S.

SOURCE: SAA (www.archivists.org)

This book's focus is on ethical issues in archives management using case studies that put into perspective the principles of the Code of Ethics for Archivists (SAA 1980, revised 1992). This slim volume is organized into four sections:

* An introduction to ethics

* 40 case studies organized by principles from the Code

* A list of additional readings of interest

* A reprinting of the Code's text

The introductory material constitutes an excellent, if brief, introduction to ethics generally and professional ethics specifically. Because there are several approaches to ethics, the definition of "professional ethics" is addressed. How are ethics different from morality? Where should the loyalty lie--to the employer or to the profession? What is personal ethics vs. what is expected in a professional setting?

A set of 10 ethical principles underlie the Society of American Archivists' (SAM Code and those of other archival associations in other countries. Briefly put, Benedict says these are:

* treating users and colleagues fairly, without discrimination

* persevering and protecting intellectual and physical integrity of records in their care

* never altering or destroying data from records in their custody or concealing facts to distort evidence

* avoiding restriction of access to records except for legal reasons or because of matters of privacy and confidentiality

* maintaining the privacy of donors of records

* never personally profiting from privileged information related to records in their custody

* using impartial judgment when appraising records, avoiding personal beliefs or biases

* never disparaging colleagues, employers, or other archival institutions

* avoiding collection of papers or records in competition with their instructions

* using their specialized knowledge for the benefit of society

Important differences between ethical behavior and law are made clear in this section. There is a clarification of the difference between professional conduct (e.g., rudeness) and the more serious moral standards of the profession.

The case-studies section constitutes the main section of the book. The case studies, contributed by seven archivists well...