Yes, I agree with Julie.
Again, I think a general statement condemning such illegal *acts* is
worthwhile. Such a statement would not itself be illegal. It would also not
be a condemnation, or further punishment, of an *individual*.
Please, let us deal with the issue at hand without personalizing it.
Thank you,
Pete
On Fri, May 11, 2012 at 8:55 AM, Grob, Julie <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> My perspective is that being a professional archivist, Mr. Waffen was
> already guided by a code of conduct, SAA's Code of Ethics for Archivists,
> which includes the relevant statements:
>
> - Archivists should carefully document their collections-related decisions
> and activities to make their role in the selection, retention, or creation
> of the historical record transparent to their institutions, donors, and
> users
> - Archivists guard all records against accidental damage, vandalism, and
> theft...
> - Archivists should not take unfair advantage of their privileged access
> to and control of historical records and documentary materials. They
> execute their work knowing that they must ensure proper custody for the
> documents and records entrusted to them. Archivists should demonstrate
> professional integrity and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
>
>
> http://www2.archivists.org/statements/saa-core-values-statement-and-code-of-ethics
>
> Because of this, I see no reason for ARSC to create its own code of
> conduct, especially given that its members come from so many different
> professions.
>
> However, ARSC does include many archivists among its membership, and I
> think the organization should stand by the values of those members, rather
> than just saying well, there were extenuating circumstances here. It does
> not matter to me if ARSC releases a general statement regarding theft or
> not. But I would hope that the organization would address these issues
> head-on either in programming at the 2013 conference about security of
> audio archives or by forming some type of Security and Preservation
> Committee to assess how different types of archives handle disposition of
> duplicates and other security and preservation issues. That might allow the
> organization to release a statement saying that it was taking such action
> due to concerns of its membership over the issues raised by the case,
> rather than making some kind of punitive statement about an issue over
> which there are clearly many varying and strongly held opinions.
>
> Julie Grob
> University of Houston Libraries
--
Pete Perry, MLIS
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