• Dr. P. J. YESU NESA JOY SINGH

The right to access knowledge is increasingly acknowledged as a fundamental principle of democratic societies, essential for personal empowerment, societal development, and making informed choices. Librarians play a central role in preserving this right by enabling the free flow of information, promoting intellectual freedom, and supporting social inclusion. Libraries are not merely places that house information; they are key institutions in fostering equal opportunities and providing public access to knowledge. This study delves into the ethical obligations of professionals in Library and Information Science (LIS), particularly in relation to their role in protecting and facilitating the right to knowledge in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Issues such as the widening digital divide, the spread of misinformation, censorship, and the commercialization of knowledge present challenges for librarians. Guided by international ethical standards like the IFLA Code of Ethics, LIS professionals are committed to ensuring equitable, unbiased access to information while safeguarding privacy and public interests. The paper also addresses the unique challenges faced in countries like India, where disparities in socio-economic and regional access to knowledge make the ethical responsibilities of librarians even more crucial. The absence of a comprehensive, standardized ethical code in India calls for tailored ethical frameworks that consider local contexts. Through this exploration, the paper emphasizes the need for policies and practices that promote fairness, accountability, and universal access to information. It seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on how librarians can ethically support the concept of knowledge as a collective public good in an increasingly complex and interconnected information society.

Librarianship, Right to Knowledge, Information Ethics, Social Justice, LIS Profession, Access to Information, Intellectual Freedom, Digital Divide, Knowledge Equity, Socio-Ethical Responsibility.

"LIBRARIANSHIP AND THE RIGHT TO KNOWLEDGE - A SOCIO-ETHICAL ANALYSIS ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no.g602-g614, June-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2506678.pdf

"LIBRARIANSHIP AND THE RIGHT TO KNOWLEDGE - A SOCIO-ETHICAL ANALYSIS ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no. ppg602-g614, June-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2506678.pdf