RA: Computer Ethics/ Netiquette

Title of the Article: Ethics and information technology- some principles to guide students
Author: Sonia Bodi
Publisher: North Park University
URL:http://www2.hawaii.edu/~donnab/lis610/bodi_1998.pdf

ABSTRACT

The emergence of information technology and its integration with certain information systems such as the internet and the library has brought about issues on ethical use of information like intellectual property rights, plagiarism, piracy and privacy. The widespread and readily accessible electronic resources made available by the internet is prone to unethical usage due to its unique properties (transmission to various media and formats). In the face of this information age where the need for information is growing against the need for security and protection, the role of information professionals is challenged most especially in guiding students and the academe toward the right action when using information.

What I learned

The society needed a system that could keep up with its changing needs. Information technology made this possible. But ever since information technology has grown, it seemed like the society is the one having the hard time to keep up. One aspect of this concern can be explored by pondering on the issues of ethical use of information. Efforts have been established and positioned to address the security and intellectual property issues. But what about fair use and the right to information access? This is where the issues are.

This has been a source of various discussions and debates, especially in the discipline of librarianship. As guardians and custodians not only of physical books but also of electronic information, usage and access is a major concern. The long fight for the right to equal access to information has took its place in the history of society and, more than ever, now is a good time to address the issue; now that internet and web based applications are growing in quality and access to information has greatly increased as well, not to mention photocopying full book copies.

According to Sonia Bodi (1998), "ethics is not an exact science but ethical inquiry does provide a basis for choosing proper actions based on rational principles and sound, carefully reasoned arguments." In the plight of the society's growing need for information, information professionals should try to use techniques and queries to find out the goal of information usage, not only for security of copyright but also to find out the right type of information needed. As for library users, like students, they should just try to do what is just and right: accessing information, using it (putting it to good use), then giving credits to the source. As a critique, one should consider the two sides of the coin when it comes to accessing information: the creator of the information and the researcher who is in need of the information. One must be able to distinguish a correct balance between information use and availability, and a respect for property; between the need of the researcher and the rights of the copyright owner. Copy-pasting online information for class assignments is one thing; citing them correctly is another. Disrespect of ownership by not citing the source of information correctly not only is unethical as plagiarism  but also invasion of privacy. A work which is not cited properly in a research is like a work used without permission. These issues cannot be separated, much like the concepts of usage and access. If usage is allowed, complete access is not always automatic; and in a situation where usage is done without proper citation, usage is improper. If improper usage has been deemed by the owner of the information, permission will most likely be revoked. And since it has already been used, the one who misused it have, technically, already accessed it without permission. 

Bodi considers librarians stakeholders and guardians in the information infrastructure and they should take part in building confidence in the ethical use of information for the growth of the public knowledge. Library instructions are key to getting library users, most especially students, familiar with the concepts of information usage and its importance. Letting them know how the system works and how one should abide by the basics can somehow make them appreciate what you do, what you tell them, how should they approach it and how the entirety affects them and the satisfaction of their needs. Librarians, more than ever, play a vital role in managing and providing access to the vast sources of information online. With teachers and other members of the academic institution, librarians have an important function in making sure that information is protected however made available for users under regulated and appropriate access: one that credits the sources properly and benefits the growth of public knowledge through further and related study.

Reflection:

With more power comes a greater responsibility. It has become a cliche, but it is a truth that describes the plight of the vast and growing parts of the information infrastructure. When accessibility was achieved, the limitless possibilities of information technologies has rendered us vulnerable to unethical usage and abuse. Perhaps, the role of librarians is vital in this predicament, given the nature of the profession. But he alone is not responsible. To fight the evils of the information age, all should make a move. Recognizing a social responsibility to protect, secure and make sure that the information available is properly used is the role of all members of the society.

Sources

Articles

Bodi, S. (November, 1998). Ethics and information technology- some principles to guide students. Journal of academic librarianship. Retrieved June 25, 2012, from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~donnab/lis610/bodi_1998.pdf

Gorman, Michael. (2001). Privacy in the Digital environment—issues for libraries. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla67/papers/145-083e.pdf

Milojicic, Dejan. (January, 2000). Internet Technology. IEEE Concurrency, 8 (1), 70-81. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.hpl.hp.com/personal/Dejan_Milojicic/Internet.pdf