SGS Code of Ethics

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Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Governance Policy 25
Updated: September 17, 2006

Since it is agreed that Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Inc. acknowledges that certain ethical rules must be applied to genealogical and historical research, this code therefore is applicable to all members in good standing of SGS. The members of Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Inc. agree to comply with this code as a condition of their membership.

This is to declare:

25.1 Research

a) Every researcher shall respect the research tools consulted, namely books, registers, index cards, or other document, whether manuscript, microfiche or film, or in computerized format.

b) The researcher shall not appropriate, pilfer, damage or deface the material.

c) The researcher shall neither annotate nor make handwritten changes to the material, even for the purpose of correction.

d) When doing research in a public place, the researcher must respect the norms and established rules set by its administrators and carry out work with appropriate consideration toward other researchers.

25.2 Intellectual Property

a) The researcher shall not attempt to either appropriate or use the intellectual property of another researcher without the author’s permission. This applies to all forms of property, including royalties, trademarks, and all formats, whether manuscript or published.

b) The researcher shall be careful to identify the origin when quoting from other sources and avoid any form of plagiarism.

c) The researcher shall avoid distoring, disguising or overstating information collected in the course of his/her work, or publishing incorrect or unconfirmed information.

25.3 Confidentiality

a) At all times, the researcher shall respect the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the right to privacy.

b) The researcher shall show discretion and judgement in the communication, publication, and distribution of the information collected.

c) The researcher agrees to respect the personal nature of certain information gathered in his/her field of research: if he/she wishes to communicate or circulate this information, special permission must be obtained from the person concerned.

d) The researcher will avoid relaying information which could be detrimental to a third party.

e) The researcher agrees not to publish or divulge information considered confidential by applicable laws and rules.

f) In particular, the researcher will guarantee not to publish or reproduce commercially information obtained through the Civil Register of Birth, Marriages and Deaths.

25.4 Cooperation

a) The researcher must do his/her utmost to cooperate with other researchers, societies, historical and genealogical organizations.

25.5 Research Done for Others

a) The researcher who agrees to work for remuneration or in return for other considerations, must comply with the following rules:

i) Act at all times with integrity

ii) Establish the basis for remuneration in advance

iii) Indicate any possible problems with the work to be carried out

iv) Furnish proof of the validity of the assertions contained in the work

v) Indicate any deficiencies the work may comprise

vi) Present the facts in an objective manner while respecting the fundamental rules of discretion and confidentiality

25.6 Sanctions

a) Infractions to this policy will incur sanctions and could lead to the cancellation of the SGS membership, as decided by the Board. (See Policy 26.4)