ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING LIBRARY NONPROFESSIONALS - COMPETINGPERSPECTIVES AND VALUES

THREE MAJOR ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED in this discussion: (I) the role, sta tus: and compensation of such nonprofessionals as library clerks or te chnicians vis-a-vis professionals: the organization, and the public, p articularly in their claims for or realization of, professional status ; (2) the role, authority status, and compensation of nonlibrarian pro fessionals appointed as directors or supervisors; and (3) the relation ship of professional librarians to other professionals on the library or information center staff. After characterizing the nature of a libr arian professional, the actual and theoretical criteria for such a des ignation are discussed. Nonprofessional librarians may argue and striv e for such status, but there are many things that should be considered . There are many stakeholders, a variety of ethical principles (e.g., such principles as seeking justice or fairness or preserving professio nal or organizational trust), a variety of ethical obligations (e.g., obligations to the self, the organization, or society): diverse loyalt ies (e.g., to the profession or the organization), and varying circums tances and conditions, each of which must be brought into ethical deli beration. For each of the major issues, this article delineates the pe rspectives, values, obligations, and priorities that stakeholders brin g. In such a manner; the complexity and diversity of factors will be m ade clearer so that resolution, if it can occur in a particular case, can serve the best ideals or seek a working consensus.