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Statement of Principles

Letterform Archive adheres to the ALA Code of Ethics.

As a member of the American Library Association (ALA), Letterform Archive recognizes the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees, and library staffs.

Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The ALA Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.

As an archive, library, and museum, Letterform Archive significantly influences or controls the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, our profession is explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special

obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.

The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision-making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.

  1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
  2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
  3. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
  4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
  5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
  6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
  7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
  8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
  9. We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.
Letterform Archive supports freedom of artistic expression.

We support freedom of artistic expression for our team members, collaborators, and community. We do not allow our donors, board members, or leadership from other domains to influence academic, curatorial, or editorial decisions.

Letterform Archive is committed to the safety of our team and community.

We expect our team members, collaborators, and community to treat each other with integrity and respect, with tolerance for free expression. Respect includes ensuring that all members of our community feel safe.