Integrity demands consistency of thought and action.
Consistency does not mean lack of action, is not limited to the immediate, nor is intransient. While adjustments caused by change are necessary it is the philosophy behind, or under, which validates the integrity, or gives evidence of mediocrity. This is true with a person or institution, with those who work the Library and the organization called Library. Basic philosophy, which is a combination of love for the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and wisdom though discipline, and a value or belief system, leaves it's mark at every encounter. Such philosophy is not static but dynamic. The dynamic philosophy drives the Library to do what it does.
The fundamental element of any philosophy is how people are viewed. How they are treated is the ethic of the philosophy. If the philosophy believes every person has equal value then the ethic will state all will be treated equally. The Library is viewed as a place where sundry information is gathered for its users. The expectation of it's users are met when they find the information they seek. I suggest the consistent Library adheres to a philosophy which transcends time: the past is just as relevant as the future without being traumatized by the now.
A philosophy of mediocrity cannot hide behind exciting adjectives. Disdain for the past, ignorance of the present, and a lack of imagination for the future are the warning signs of mediocrity. Integrity demands all three elements work together.
Gerald F. Ward
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