Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook

Code of Ethics
	Chapter 1. Becoming a Trustee

Code of Ethics

Should issues such as conflicts of interest, disagreements regarding employment practices, harassment, or public dissatisfaction with the library arise, trustees and staff members may choose to contact the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Ethics Commission at (617) 727-0060 or refer to their website at http://www.state.ma.us/ethics. The State Ethics Commission has published a brochure entitled A Practical Guide to the Conflict of Interest Law for Municipal Employees which may be of value to trustees.

The following statement for public library trutees was approved by the PLA Board of Directors and the ALTA Board of Directors (both divisions of the American Library Association) on July 8, 1985.

Ethics Statement for Public Library Trustees

Trustees must promote a high level of library service while observing ethical standards.

Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues or the institution.

It is incumbent on any trustee to disqualify himself or herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.

Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophy and attitudes and those of the institution, acknowledging the formal position of the board even if they personally disagree.

A trustee must respect the confidential nature of library business while being aware of and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information.

Trustees must be prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.

Trustees who accept membership on a library board are expected to perform all of the functions of library trustees.

Trustees should be aware that the library profession has its own guidelines for ethical behavior, adopted by the ALA Council on June 28, 1995. Many librarians nationwide and across Masachusetts, choose to follow this code of ethics.

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association

As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.

Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilites of the profession in this changing information environment.

We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.

The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework, they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.

We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources, equitable service policies, equitable access, and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.

We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.

We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our instututions.

We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.

We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.

We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the asipirations of potential members of the profession.

Golden Rules for Board Members

Leave the actual management of the library to the library director. It is the library director's responsibility to select books and other library materials, employ the staff and supervise day-to-day operations.

After a policy or rule is adopted by the majority vote of the library board, do not criticize or re-voice your opposition publicly.

Respect confidential information. Do not divulge information learned during executive sessions of the board, or any information regarding future board actions or plans until such action is officially taken.

Observe publicity and information policies of the board and library. Do not give information individually but refer requests to the director or appropriate representative to interpret policies.

Treat staff members and the director in an objective manner. Under no circumstances listen to grievances of a staff member or treat individual problems on our own. The library director is in charge of the staff and had administrative control up to the point where a grievance is presented to the library board as a whole.

Do not suggest hiring a relative as a library employee, or two members of the same family.

All rules and policies directed to the library director must be approved by a quorum of the board at a regular meeting. Even the chairperson should abide by this rule.

Do not hold board meetings without the library director.

Complaints from the public are the director's responsibility. Continued dissatisfaction and problems should be taken up at the board meeting only if a policy revision is necessary or legal ramifications are involved.

Assume your full responsibility as a board member. If you are unable to attend meetings regularly and complete work delegated to you, resign so that an active member can be appointed.

Orientation of New Trustees Duties and Responsibilities