Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE)

Charge

The Council Committee on Professional Ethics shall augment the Code of Ethics by explanatory interpretations and additional statements, prepared by this committee or elicited from other units of ALA. When units of the association develop statements dealing with ethical issues, a copy will be sent to the Committee on Professional Ethics for review so that it may be compared to the existing ALA Code of Ethics in order to determine whether or not conflicts occur.

Roster

When you are logged in as an ALA member, the roster will display the committee members' contact information, in addition to their names, positions, and terms.

Committee on Professional Ethics Roster

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Composition

The Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE) consists of 7 members appointed by the Council Committee on Committees, in cooperation with the ALA President-Elect. Members serve a 2 year term and the Committee is led by the chair.

Origin

Established in 1975 at the request of ALA Council.

Get Involved

ALA values committed and active committee members. Qualified members are welcome to volunteer to serve on Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE). Committee members must have an interest in the work of the committee; be able to attend Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings to participate in the meetings and activities of the committee; and be able to work between conferences via e-mail and ALA Connect. Express your interest in serving on this or other committees by filling out an application form. Appointments take place once a year, during the spring. Committee service usually begins following Annual Conference, about July 1.