This week, the OIF Blog will be featuring wrap-ups of last month’s ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, each post featuring a different intellectual freedom group. Today’s featured group: the Committee on Professional Ethics.

• COPE endorsed in principle the IFC “Resolution to Protect Library User Confidentiality in Self-Service Hold Practices” and unanimously endorsed the joint IFC/COL “Resolution to Continue Opposition to the Use of Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Use of National Security Letters to Violate Reader Privacy.” The full text of each Resolution can be found in the IFC Report to Council. Both Resolutions were adopted by ALA Council during its third session on Tuesday, June 28.
• COPE discussed the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA’s) work on developing an international Code of Ethics. IFLA is very interested in COPE’s input. The committee will review and provide feedback this summer.
• On Sunday, June 26, COPE sponsored the program, “Promoting Ethical Literacy in Youth: How Librarians Can Partner with Parents and Teachers.” Though Rushworth Kidder could not attend due to health issues, speakers Michael Zimmer and Nancy Zimmerman provided wonderful insights on librarians’ roles in equipping young people for ethical decision-making. A lively discussion followed in the Q&A, full of dialogue with audience members on real-world ethical dilemmas and ideas for solutions.