Introduction to Reference Services 4: Legal and Ethical Issues in Reference Services

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Course Details
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Course Description

While offering expert guidance and support across complex information landscapes, library staff also navigate their own legal and ethical responsibilities in the provision of reference services. Detailing the most pressing legal and ethical considerations for reference services - digital literacy, equity of access, patron confidentiality, intellectual freedom, and copyright - library staff can balance their professional responsibilities at the reference desk.

Learning objectives for this session include
  • Developing an understanding of key legal and ethical concepts in reference services
  • Employing strategies for managing patron information
  • Exploring copyright, digital literacy, intellectual freedom, and other issues that arise in reference work
Session Information
Session Duration: 
This course consists of one 2-hour session.
Contact Hours: 
2