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On the ethics of social network research in libraries

On the ethics of social network research in libraries PurposeIn this paper, faculty librarians at an academic institution explore the ethical dimensions of conducting research with user-generated social networking service (SNS) data. In an effort to guide librarian-researchers, this paper first offers a background discussion of privacy ethics across disciplines and then proposes a library-specific ethical framework for conducting SNS research.Design/methodology/approachBy surveying the literature in other disciplines, three key considerations are identified that can inform ethical practice in the field of library science: context, expectation, and value analysis. For each of these considerations, the framework is tailored to consider ethical issues, as they relate to libraries and our practice as librarian-researchers.FindingsThe unique role of the librarian-researcher demands an ethical framework specific to that practice. The findings of this paper propose such a framework.Practical implicationsLibrarian-researchers are at a unique point in our history. In exploring SNSs as a source of data to conduct research and improve services, we become challenged by conflicting and equally cherished values of patron privacy and information access. By evaluating research according to context, expectations, and value, this framework provides an ethical path forward for research using SNS data.Originality/valueAs of this paper’s publication, there is no existing ethical framework for conducting SNS research in libraries. The proposed framework is informed both by library values and by broader research values, and therefore provides unique guidelines for the librarian-researcher. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Emerald Publishing

On the ethics of social network research in libraries

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
1477-996X
DOI
10.1108/JICES-05-2015-0013
Publisher site
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Abstract

PurposeIn this paper, faculty librarians at an academic institution explore the ethical dimensions of conducting research with user-generated social networking service (SNS) data. In an effort to guide librarian-researchers, this paper first offers a background discussion of privacy ethics across disciplines and then proposes a library-specific ethical framework for conducting SNS research.Design/methodology/approachBy surveying the literature in other disciplines, three key considerations are identified that can inform ethical practice in the field of library science: context, expectation, and value analysis. For each of these considerations, the framework is tailored to consider ethical issues, as they relate to libraries and our practice as librarian-researchers.FindingsThe unique role of the librarian-researcher demands an ethical framework specific to that practice. The findings of this paper propose such a framework.Practical implicationsLibrarian-researchers are at a unique point in our history. In exploring SNSs as a source of data to conduct research and improve services, we become challenged by conflicting and equally cherished values of patron privacy and information access. By evaluating research according to context, expectations, and value, this framework provides an ethical path forward for research using SNS data.Originality/valueAs of this paper’s publication, there is no existing ethical framework for conducting SNS research in libraries. The proposed framework is informed both by library values and by broader research values, and therefore provides unique guidelines for the librarian-researcher.

Journal

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society – Emerald Publishing

Published: May 9, 2016

References

  • An initial exploration of ethical research practices regarding automated data extraction from online social media user profiles
  • Patients’ and health professionals’ use of social media in health care: motives, barriers and expectations
  • Benefiting from social capital in online support groups: an empirical study of cancer patients
  • Social network sites: definition, history, and scholarship
  • Introduction to special issue: ethical dilemmas in social network research