ALA’s Code of Ethics will be 70 years old in 2009. In anticipation of this important anniversary, the Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE) sponsored programs at the annual conferences from 2004 to 2006 to explore the need for revising the Code in light of new association policies and issues facing the profession. Based on the comments received at these programs, the Committee reviewed each article of Code and is proposing changes in Articles III, IV, and V.

COPE is now seeking comments on the proposed changes for its discussion at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.

To review the proposed changes, visit

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/ifgroups/cope/copeinaction/changestocode.htm

Please send comments on the proposed changes to the Code of Ethics prior to the Midwinter Meeting to Judith F. Krug, director, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (phone: 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4222; fax: 312-280-4227; e-mail: jkrug@ala.org, cc: dstone@ala.org ). Written comments also may be left during the Midwinter Meeting at OIF’s table in the ALA Office Area in the Philadelphia Convention Center until noon on Sunday, January 13.

COPE will hold an open hearing at the Midwinter Meeting to discuss the proposed changes to the Code of Ethics. The Open Hearing will take place on Sunday, January 13, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the Philadelphia Ritz Carlton Hotel’s Petite Ballroom.