Bulgarian Library and Information Association
Bulgaria

BLIA

CODE OF ETHICS

Sofia, 2002

The Code of Ethics of the librarians in Republic of Bulgaria rеpresents norms for professional behaviour that fit the goals and interests of the library community. These norms aim at the consolidation of all its activities and its style of communication.

This document is open, subject to discussion even after its adoption and to periodical amendments and updates. It proposes also standards for behaviour, desirable to be adhered to by all colleagues who value, respect, elevate and affirm the authority of the profession of librarians.

The Code is prepared on the basis of the experience of more than 20 national library associations. It is consistent with underlying documents adopted by the IFLA, UNESCO, etc., and it reflects the traditions in the Bulgarian cultural and professional practice.

• We stand behind the idea that libraries play a primary role in the development of the civic and information society and work for its advancement. Furthermore, we guarantee the respect of the fundamental human rights.

• In the role of a transmitter of knowledge and ideas, culture and traditions, national virtues and virtues common to all mankind, we create an atmosphere of trust, tolerance and pluralism in the spiritual space of our nation and the world.

• We ensure and propose library and information services to users with a high level of professionalism and erudition, through our collections, access to databases and the information we create, respecting the principles of objectivity and impartiality.

• We guarantee equal rights of free access to information as an unquestionable right to every person. Furthermore, we do not allow any form of censorship or discrimination based on racial, ethnic, gender, religious, cultural, age, political or any other differences in the beliefs and status of the users.

• We abide to the principles of copyright and intellectual freedom and protect the rights of the creators of information when we mediate between them and the users.

• We protect the rights of all users connected with the privacy of reading, the confidentiality of the used information and their personal information, except in cases when they contradict the laws of the country.

• We respect and value our colleagues and we communicate with them frankly and openly. We share our experience and keep tolerant relationships, guaranteeing comfortable psychological ambience for the users as well as for us.

• We do not allow our self-interests and opinion to dominate at the expense of our users, our colleagues and the institution we represent, nor we allow actions and activities that can harm that institution. Arising problems we solve inside our institution by open and mannered dialogue.

• We are convinced that our successful career depends on three things: character, specific knowledge and experience and we aim at their achievement through a continuing education.

• We work competently, professionally and loyally, towards the establishment of a high social recognition of our profession and the improving of the image of the library institution.

• We create interest on the part of society towards our profession and the mission of libraries. We negotiate and look for support of the governmental associations, municipal authorities, and NGO's.