Living Out the Second Greatest Commandment Applying the American Library Association’s Ninth Principle.

Abstract

The American Library Association revised its Code of Ethics in 2021 to include a Ninth Principle, which starts with a sentence that reflects the Golden Rule. In this presentation, texts from multiple religions are presented to suggest how the Ninth Principle aligns with those religions, as well as with the Golden Rule. Further consideration is given with Jewish and Christian scriptures and suggests a resonance with the second part of the Ninth Principle. Questions in the latter part of the presentation call the reader to professional and personal actions based on the religious principles presented, ALA’s Ninth Principle, and one’s own personal ethics. The audience and readers are invited to continue the discussion in future Atla conferences.