As a trustee of the public library, you are a public servant. You are entrusted with public funds. The public expects, and laws require, that your performance will always be above question and for the public good, not for your own interest or another special interest. 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 specific situations.
The Lopez Island Library District adopted the following code of ethics to guide the conduct of its members and will review it whenever a new board member is appointed. A written code of ethics will be signed by each new trustee upon appointment and by all trustees each September.
Lopez Island Library District Code of Ethics: Adopted September 27, 2024
All Lopez Island Library Trustees must:
- strive to 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;
- uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources;
- protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted while being aware of and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information;
- recognize and respect intellectual property rights;
- treat library staff, patrons and volunteers, members of the public and other Trustees with respect, fairness and good faith;
- advocate conditions of employment for library staff and volunteers that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions;
- refrain from advancing the Trustee’s private interests at the expense of the library or its patrons;
- disqualify themselves from any decision-making whenever a conflict of interest exists, as defined in the Lopez Island Library District Board of Trustees Manual (12.6.3);
- distinguish between personal convictions and professional duties and refrain from allowing personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
- strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of library staff and volunteers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the library sciences professions.