As promised, here are the results of my ethics survey (the
role of this LISTSERV versus the SAA Code of Ethics in solving real-world
ethical questions in modern archives) which I posted on April 2, 2002.
Thank you to everyone who responded.
1. How do you solve ethical dilemmas in
your day-to-day archives work?
[ 4 ] Refer to the SAA Code of
Ethics
[ 5
] Ask the listserv
[ 15
] Refer to Institutional policy
[ 14
] Other:
Common Sense
(2)
Ask colleagues/supervisor
(7)
Years of
experience
Refer to Museum
Ethics
ACRL Standards for ethical
conduct
2. Do you use the SAA Code of Ethics as a
"living document" in your day-to-day work?
[ 5 ] Yes
[ 9 ] No
[ 11
] Sometimes
3. If the Code of Ethics is not your first
reference point for ethical dilemmas, why?
[ 7 ] it's too vague
[ 0 ] it's outdated
[ 6 ] doesn't deal with "real"
situations
[ 2 ] listserv is easier/faster
[ 10
] Other:
Institutional policies
take priority (2)
It never occurred to me to
use the Code of Ethics
It's good to discuss the
nuances of situations with others
Years of
experience
Doesn't cover some
issues
It is unnecessary and
irrelevant - have done fine without it so far
Follow my own
ethics
We don't have a copy at my
institution
The Code of Ethics is
meant to be general only
4. What technology issues have caused ethical
dilemmas for you?
[ 12
] Online access
[ 8 ] eBay (selling, buying or competing for
materials)
[
9 ] Donor relations (privacy)
[ 4 ] Other:
Access/privacy
(2)
Digital media use and
access issues (digital photocopying, scanning, cameras)
Copyright issues
(3)
5. If the SAA Code of Ethics was revised
to incorporate issues that technology raises, would you use it
more?
[ 14
] Yes
[ 8 ] No
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