Making A <scp>PACT</scp>—Ethical Principles for Critical Community Informatics

ABSTRACT This research proposes an ethical framework for engagement with the data collected by information institutions on and about their community members, part of a field better known as community informatics. As data collection becomes a key element of library and information patron services, it is crucial that workers have experience and training in dealing with the collection and handling of data related to their patrons. The PACT framework, which stands for Power, Access, Consent, and Trust, was developed and workshopped in LIS classrooms across three ALA‐accredited programs and aims to prepare LIS students for the types of ongoing relationships and issues they will encounter working in an institutional setting. The framework is grounded in critical theory, and takes a participatory approach towards community informatics, as well as drawing on the Codes of Ethics of three major professional organizations for cultural heritage and information professionals.