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Do RFIDs (radio frequency identifier devices) provide new ethical dilemmas for librarians and information professionals?

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  • Thornley, Clare
  • Ferguson, Stuart
  • Weckert, John
  • Gibb, Forbes

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the current and potential ethical implications of RFID technology for the library and information professions. These issues are analysed as a series of ethical dilemmas, or hard-to-resolve competing ethical obligations, which the librarian has in relationship to information objects, library users and the wider social and political environment or state. A process model of the library is used as a framework for the discussion to illustrate the relationship between the different participants in the library system and it is argued that ethical analysis should involve the identification of future developments as well as current issues. The analysis shows that RFIDs do currently pose some dilemmas for librarians in terms of the conflicts between efficient service, privacy of users and an obligation to protect the safety of society as a whole, and that these are likely to become more problematic as the technology develops. This paper is part 2 of a series of papers on RFIDs and the library and information professions.

Suggested Citation

  • Thornley, Clare & Ferguson, Stuart & Weckert, John & Gibb, Forbes, 2011. "Do RFIDs (radio frequency identifier devices) provide new ethical dilemmas for librarians and information professionals?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 546-555.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:31:y:2011:i:6:p:546-555
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2011.02.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gibb, Forbes & Buchanan, Steven & Shah, Sameer, 2006. "An integrated approach to process and service management," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 44-58.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hossain, Mohammad Alamgir & Dwivedi, Yogesh K., 2014. "What improves citizens’ privacy perceptions toward RFID technology? A cross-country investigation using mixed method approach," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 711-719.
    2. Chen, Xiaogang & Ma, Jing & Jin, Jiafei & Fosh, Patricia, 2013. "Information privacy, gender differences, and intrinsic motivation in the workplace," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 917-926.
    3. Ferguson, Stuart & Thornley, Clare & Gibb, Forbes, 2016. "Beyond codes of ethics: how library and information professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in a complex and dynamic information environment," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 543-556.

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