Abstract

This work concentrates on the ethical questions which apply to the professional actions of the information professional. It is divided as follows. The first section addresses the foundations of the concepts of ethics and information. A model is proposed in the discussion of the concept information, distinguishing three essential properties of information: properties linked to the conduit, humans and reality. The resulting ethical implications are indicated. These essential properties of information serve as the basis for the rest of the study. ;The second section demarcates information ethics as applicable to the information professional. Chapter 4 describes the profession of the information professional as distinct from other information-related professions. Four categories of information professionals are distinguished: the information manager, the infopreneur, the librarian and the information coordinator. The ethical context of the professional actions of the information professional is described. ;In the next chapter various aspects of professional ethics relating to the information professional are discussed. Three central ethical issues with regard to the handling of information are highlighted, namely power dependency and human rights. The discussion is structured in four parts, namely the ethical questions related to access of information, the ownership thereof, the right to privacy and the qualitative processing of information. Attention is also given to the various role players and those factors which determine the ethical questions. ;Chapter 6 outlines the ethical norms which apply to the stated ethical questions. The following norms are distinguished: love, justice, freedom, truth and human rights. Important Biblical principles which underlie these norms are outlined. These principles are the decalogue, humans as the image of God, an option for the poor and the community of the covenant. ;Chapter 7 outlines practical guidelines for the information professional. These are based on the proposed norms, and constructed around the exposition of chapter 5. The variables that affect the application of the principles are also discussed. ;The study is concluded with some remarks in summary, with proposals for further research