Books Quote by R. David Lankes
““Every day, librarians enforce copyright policies that we may disagree with and that, in some ways, run contrary to the values of our profession. Every day, librarians must decide between a desire to preserve the privacy of our community members and offering services our communities demand. Every day, librarians must make a choice between doing what’s easy, doing what’s right, and determining what’s right in the first place. No textbook or mission statement or policy document can relieve us of the necessity to make those decisions, nor remove the complexity of those decisions. That’s why we are librarians and why librarians are professionals, not clerks. That’s why we are stewards within the communities we serve, not servants to them. That’s why we must shape the missions and the work of our organizations and communities, and not simply accept them.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Professional Ethics Talk, Library Conference, 2015
Librarians constantly balance copyright enforcement, privacy, and community service, requiring ethical judgment beyond policy.
In simple terms: Librarians must choose right over easy, shaping missions.
Key Takeaway
Embrace ethical decision‑making and mission shaping.
Themes
ethics
privacy
community service
professionalism
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- library policy drafting
- privacy advocacy
- community program planning
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
stewardship
policy interpretation
mission design
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize privacy versus access?
- What defines “right” in ambiguous situations?
A Different Perspective
Policies cannot replace personal judgment; decisions are complex and context‑dependent.
