Neutrality in library and information ethics: a debate in alternative foundations

Oltmann, S., Knox, E., McMenemy, D. and Hamilton, S. (2023) Neutrality in library and information ethics: a debate in alternative foundations. Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 60(1), pp. 821-824. (doi: 10.1002/pra2.869)

Abstract

Neutrality is a concept that has been under significant critique both within wider society and library and information science. Supporters cite it as a worldview that respects the choices of individuals and that no one view of the common good should prevail in a pluralistic society. Critics argue that it reflects an out-of-date concept that enshrines power structures created by those already powerful and limits the choices and opportunities for those without power. This panel reflects on the arguments and considers what a library and information science ethic that does not build itself around neutrality might look like.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Neutrality, libraries, ethics, rights, liberalism.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McMenemy, Dr David
• Authors: Oltmann, S., Knox, E., McMenemy, D., and Hamilton, S.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General); Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z719 Libraries (General)
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Information Studies
• Journal Name: Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 2373-9231
• ISSN (Online): 2373-9231
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2023
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology 60(1):821-824
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy