Statement of Ethics for Library Trustees

Public library trustees are accountable for the resources of the library as well as to see that the library provides the best possible service to its community.

Every trustee makes a personal commitment to contribute the time and energy to faithfully carry out his/her duties and responsibilities effectively and with absolute truth, honor and integrity.

• Trustees shall respect the opinions of their colleagues and not be critical or disrespectful when they disagree or oppose a viewpoint different than their own.
• Trustees shall comply with all the laws, rules and regulations that apply to them and to their library.
• Trustees, in fulfilling their responsibilities, shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public pressure or fear of criticism.
• Trustees shall not engage in discrimination of any kind and shall uphold library patrons’ rights to privacy in the use of library resources.
• Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the library, acknowledging and supporting the formal position of the Board even if they disagree.
• Trustees must respect the confidential nature of library business and not disclose such information to anyone. Trustees must also be aware of and in compliance with Freedom of Information laws
• Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained as a result of their position or access to privileged library information, for either themselves or others.
• A trustee shall immediately disqualify him/herself whenever the appearance of or a conflict of interest exists.
• Trustees shall not use their position to gain unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves or others from the library or from those who do business with the library.
• Trustees shall not interfere with the management responsibilities of the director or the supervision of library staff.
• Trustees shall support the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.
• All authority is vested in the board when it meets in legal session and not with individual board members.

Amended from the policy approved by the United for Libraries Board in January 2012.

Members of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and are also governed under city policy 1.11 titled Ethics.

Adopted: 01/30/92
Revised: 11/99, 08/05, 10/2015, 3/2019
Reviewed: 2013, 3/2022, 1/4/2023