Integration of the IFLA Code of Ethics in Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: A Strategy for Improved Information Access and Attainment of SDGs

Abstract

The United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a worldwide call for action to eradicate poverty, to eliminate inequalities, to protect the planet, to achieve sustainable economic growth, and to warrant that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. However, there is ethical disquiet in achieving these goals. Yet, there is not much deliberation over the role of information ethics in achieving these goals. This study sought to examine the relevance of IFLA Code of Ethics for librarians and other information workers in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. A pragmatism paradigm was adopted by which 71 responses were attained through the use of an online survey tool (Google forms). The data collected were both qualitative and quantitative. The study findings revealed that librarians conduct various activities in an effort to uphold the IFLA Code of Ethics to enhance attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. These activities include non-censorship, training in ICTs and copyright issues, cooking and reading clubs, tutoring services, gender equality in duty allocation and remuneration, pen data repositories or databases, dissemination of social media information, health awareness programmes, non-discrimination against library users, and inclusive access by catering for people with disabilities. The study recommends that libraries implement the appropriate infrastructure and monitor the adherence to the professional code of conduct to create a productive workforce and an environment that promote achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.