Ethics, Values and Morality in Contemporary Library Classifications

TY - JOUR

T1 - Ethics, Values and Morality in Contemporary Library Classifications

AU - Mai, Jens-Erik

PY - 2013

Y1 - 2013

N2 - This paper explores the ethics of classification. The paper outlines recent conceptual moves in knowledge organization research and shows that contemporary classification theory is based on a pragmatic understanding of the world. It suggests that unjust statements and assumptions about the world challenge contemporary library classifications and that a proper response is needed. It outlines a framework for the development of ethical classifications based on Maclntyre's practice-based ethical theory. It provides a framework within which editors and managers of library classifications can make ethically sound decisions.

AB - This paper explores the ethics of classification. The paper outlines recent conceptual moves in knowledge organization research and shows that contemporary classification theory is based on a pragmatic understanding of the world. It suggests that unjust statements and assumptions about the world challenge contemporary library classifications and that a proper response is needed. It outlines a framework for the development of ethical classifications based on Maclntyre's practice-based ethical theory. It provides a framework within which editors and managers of library classifications can make ethically sound decisions.

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0943-7444

VL - 40

SP - 242

EP - 253

JO - Knowledge Organization

JF - Knowledge Organization

IS - 3

ER -