OAK LAWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD POLICY
TRUSTEE ETHICS POLICY
The Oak Lawn Public Library endorses the United for Libraries’ Public Library Trustee Ethics Statement, which is made a part of this policy (see BP 2.1A). United for Libraries the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations is a division of the American Library Association.
Trustees in the capacity of trust upon them shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity, and honor.
Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests, activities or financial affairs are, or likely to be perceived as being in conflict with the best interests of the Oak Lawn Public Library.
It is incumbent upon any trustees to disqualify themselves immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.
Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies 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 should not be swayed by partisan interest, public pressure, or fear of criticism.
Trustees who accept library board responsibilities are expected to perform all the functions of library trustees.
Therefore, to preserve and uphold the Oak Lawn Public Library’s reputation as an organization of impeachable integrity, each Board member will sign the Public Trustee Ethics Statement (BP 2.1A) at the commencement of their services and at the beginning of each calendar year during their tenure with the Oak Lawn Public Library.
If a Trustee appears to be in conflict of the Trustee Ethics Policy, they will be asked to meet with an executive committee assigned by the Board to discuss the issue. The committee will make a recommendation to the full Board based on their findings.
Adopted: 10/19/2021