Neutrality in Library and Information Ethics: A Debate in Alternative Foundations

Neutrality is a concept that has been under significant critique both within wider society and library and information science. Supporters cite it as a worldview that respects the choices of individuals and that no one view of the common good should prevail in a pluralistic society. Critics argue that it reflects an out-of-date concept that enshrines power structures created by those already powerful and limits the choices and opportunities for those without power. This panel reflects on the arguments and considers what a library and information science ethic that does not build itself around neutrality might look like. Annual Meeting of the Association for Information Science & Technology | Oct. 27 – 31, 2023 | London, United Kingdom. Author(s) retain copyright, but ASIS&T receives an exclusive publication license.