SLA Code of Conduct for SLA Communication and Event Participation

September 2024

Preamble

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) brings together a diverse and vibrant community of specialized information and library professionals to foster and promote a network of excellence. SLA is a member and volunteer organization. We value the involvement of everyone in the organization.

In order to maintain an environment, both physically and virtually, that optimizes the achievement of these goals by its members, SLA is committed to an environment free from discrimination or threatening behavior. Within this environment, our participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual respect and safety regardless of gender or sexual identity, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, national origin, language, religion, disability, physical appearance, genetic information, familial status, veteran status, or other group identity, educational or socio-economic background, or political beliefs.

English is the working language of SLA, however, at any events and among the members, everyone should feel welcome no matter how they communicate.

We recognize a shared responsibility to create and actively support a harassment-free environment for the benefit of all. By participating in SLA, participants in SLA activities agree to abide by the SLA Code of Conduct and accept the procedures by which any Code of Conduct incidents are resolved. This Code of Conduct applies to all spaces managed by SLA and its units, including, but not limited to, conferences, webinars, email lists, and online forums such as SLA Connect. The Code of Conduct is designed to protect members, staff, visitors, speakers, vendors, guests, and other participants from inappropriate behaviors. Event organizers are expected to assist with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

If you believe someone has violated the Code of Conduct, or you have experienced a violation of the Code of Conduct yourself, we ask that you report it by completing this form[2] . The Code of Conduct Panel (COCP) is responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct. Formation of a Code of Conduct Panel will only occur once a report is submitted through the form.  All reports will be reviewed by the COCP and will be kept confidential. By participating, participants indicate their acceptance of the procedures by which SLA resolves any Code of Conduct incidents, including procedures which may include storage and processing of their personal information to comply with standard operating procedures. See the privacy policy for more information.

This SLA Code of Conduct policy was modeled after similar documents from The Carpentries, IASSIST, and Association Headquarters. Revisions and updates to this Code of Conduct will be made as appropriate or necessary and will be reviewed no less frequently than every three (3) years. This Code of Conduct shall be distributed as widely as possible on a regular basis, including posting on the SLA website, posting to the Open Forum on Connect, linked from communications regarding events, welcome messages to new members and membership renewals, and other channels as appropriate.

Behavior

Expected behavior

All participants in SLA events and communications, regardless of their SLA membership status, are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. While some interactions may be casual or informal, professional behavior should be maintained in all interactions. In order to foster a positive and professional learning environment we emphasize following these kinds of behaviors in all SLA events and platforms:

• Use welcoming and inclusive language, including using an individual’s stated pronouns; and
• Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences; and
• Gracefully accept constructive criticism; and
• Focus on what is best for the community; and
• Show courtesy and respect towards other community members and participants; and
• Civil discourse in the case of disagreement.

Unacceptable behavior

Examples of unacceptable behavior by participants at any SLA event/platform include but are not limited to:

• Written or verbal comments which have the effect of excluding people on the basis of belonging to any specific group per paragraph 2 of the Preamble, and including but not limited to:
  • Sustained disruption of talks, events, or communications; and/or
  • Insults or put-downs; and/or
  • Exclusionary or offensive jokes; and/or
  • Excessive swearing; and/or
  • Libelous or slanderous remarks
• Continuing to initiate interaction (including personal photography or personal recordings) with someone after being asked to stop; and/or
• The display of sexual or violent images; and/or
• Unwelcome sexual attention; and/or
• Nonconsensual or unwelcome physical contact; and/or
• Publication of private communication without consent; and/or
• Causing someone to fear for their safety, such as through stalking or intimidation; and/or
• Violent language or threats directed against another person or group of people; and/or
• Incitement to violence, suicide, or self-harm; and/or
• Retaliation against someone submitting a report regarding Code of Conduct violation(s).

Consequences of Unacceptable behavior

Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. This applies to all SLA events and platforms, either online or in-person. If a participant engages in behavior that violates this code of conduct, the organizers may warn the offender, ask them to leave the event or platform (without refund), and/or report the incident via the incident report form found below. .

Links:

1. Code of Conduct Panel Formation and Manner of Operating
2. Code of Conduct Incident Response Guidelines
3. Code of Conduct Incident Reporting Guidelines
4. Code of Conduct Response Procedure and Enforcement Guidelines
5. Code of Conduct Termed and Permanent Suspension Guidelines