An underlying principle of the library and information professions is that it’s a basic human right to have freedom of access to information, ideas and works of imagination, without bias or censorship. This principle upholds a number of other human rights, as information in all its forms is fundamental to understanding yourself, your place in the world, how to exercise your rights as a citizen and express yourself. Knowledge is power, so it’s important that everyday people have access to a choice of information, without too many barriers being imposed.

To be a trusted professional is not a responsibility that library staff undertake lightly, even when they don’t consciously realise that they’re doing it! From my experience as a library professional over the past 38 years, library staff have an overwhelming commitment to service provision, making it virtually impossible for them to resist applying the profession’s values and ethics to every challenge for the provision of accurate, timely and impartial information to every request for assistance. Tenacity is in their DNA!

Have you seen our stylish Truth, Integrity, Knowledge (TIK) pins? You can wear it on your shirt, your lanyard or pin it to your pencil case and is available on the ALIA shop. 

The TIK campaign focuses on why librarianship is one of the most trusted professions in Australia, and how library and information professionals promote truth, integrity and knowledge.

In 2019 we are celebrating the 10 ways that library and information services professionals support and promote truth, integrity and knowledge (TIK).

Please see below the free downloadable poster '10 ways that library and information professionals promote truth integrity and knowledge'. 

You can hang it in your library, school or place of business and create conversation around the TIK campaign.

Trusted professionals

Librarians have always been trusted professionals and this is still the case. Everyone studying for a library qualification learns about the profession’s values and ethics. When people join ALIA, they are confirming their commitment to promoting the free flow of information and ideas in the interest of all Australians.

Freedom of information

We help ensure that people have access to information, without bias or censorship. Some libraries use internet filters to support cybersafe experiences for children, but we are against high level government restrictions on internet content and have campaigned successfully against this over the last decade. We also help people to navigate government Freedom of Information request processes.

Evidence-based

We identify and evaluate information sources which will help people reach their own, well-informed decisions about critical issues. We consider the source, the credibility of the author, the wider context and the supporting evidence, in order to authenticate information.

Digital expertise and inclusion

Indigenous Knowledge

Librarians work respectfully with Indigenous knowledge – the stories, artefacts, images, artworks and documents that form collections of first nations’ materials. We seek permission for access, consult with community Elders and use established protocols to ensure that knowledge is handled sensitively and appropriately.

Freedom of expression

We believe in free speech and freedom of expression. To quote the IFLA principles of freedom of expression and good librarianship: ‘Libraries contribute to the development and maintenance of intellectual freedom and help to safeguard basic democratic values and universal civil rights’.