A survey of information ethics evolution at the University of Ibadan

Abstract

This article describes the evolution of information ethics among information professionals at the University of Ibadan. It also raises more awareness about the topic and encourages attention to, reflection on, and action about ethical issues in the information professions. To this end, the level of awareness, prospects, and challenges of information ethics education at the University of Ibadan was investigated. This study was carried out using only the qualitative method through a survey. The University of Ibadan was used as a case study. Stakeholders in all information disciplines, as well as ethics-related departments, were purposively selected and interviewed for the study. The investigation shows clearly the evidence of unawareness and/or unpreparedness status of some lecturers and other stakeholders in the information profession about the subject. But the viability of integrating information ethics as part of the training of information professionals is undeniable. In order to deal effectively with the ethical issues, information professionals must have a good working knowledge of information ethics. Codes of professional ethics can help to provide such knowledge, but they are not sufficient. Courses on information ethics must be part of the education of information professionals. Such courses should provide information professionals with an understanding of ethical theories and how they apply to concrete practical cases. Such courses should also make explicit the connection between information ethics and the mission of the information professional.