In order to function well, the virtual communities supported by the Internet depend upon rules of conduct, the same as any society. Librarians and information technologists must be knowledgeable about ethical issues for the welfare of their organizations and to protect and advise users.
Ethics is the art of determining what is right or good.
It can also be defined as a general pattern or way of life, a set of rules of conduct or moral code. Ethical guidelines are based on values. The very nature of electronic communication raises new moral issues. Individuals and organizations should be proactive in examining these concerns and developing policies which protect liabilities. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.