Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct

I. Purpose

The Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct addresses issues related to ethical and professional conduct within the archival profession.

II. Committee Selection, Size, and Length of Terms

The Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct consists of six members, two appointed by the SAA vice president each year for staggered three-year terms. The chair is appointed annually by the SAA vice president from among the members.

III. Duties and Responsibilities

1. The committee recommends to the Council updates to the Code of Ethics for Archivists when these are made necessary by changes in laws governing recordkeeping, copyright, or other pertinent subjects, or by changes in professional procedures and practices.
2. The committee periodically conducts a complete review of the Code of Ethics for Archivists to ensure that ad hoc changes have not compromised its internal consistency and the document as a whole continues to meet the need of the profession. It recommends to the Council revisions as necessary.
3. The committee monitors the rise of new ethical issues due to societal, legal, or judicial and technological developments.

IV. Reporting Procedures

The committee chair presents committee recommendations to the Council. Changes to the Code of Ethics for Archivists are submitted to the Standards Committee according to established procedures. Recommendations related to procedure or ad hoc situations are reported directly to the Council.

Last Revised: June 1, 2009