Berlin Free Town Library
Board of Trustees and Library Employee Ethics Policy
The Berlin Free Town Library is dependent on the trust of its community to successfully achieve its mission. Therefore, it is crucial that all Board members and employees conduct business on behalf of the Berlin Free Town Library with the highest level of integrity avoiding any impropriety or the appearance of impropriety.
Guiding Principles for Board Members and Employees:
● Uphold the integrity of the Berlin Free Town Library; should perform their duties impartially and diligently.
● Do not engage in discrimination of any kind including that based on age, race, class, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or belief system.
● Protect and uphold library patrons’ right to privacy in their use of the Library’s resources. ● Avoid situations in which their personal interests, activities, or financial affairs are, or are likely to be, perceived as being in conflict with the best interests of the Berlin Free Town Library.
● Avoid having interests that may reasonably bring into question their position in a fair, impartial, and objective manner.
● Do not knowingly act in any way that would reasonably be expected to create an impression among the public that they are engaged in conduct that violates their trust as Board members or employees.
● Do not use or attempt to use their position with the Berlin Free Town Public Library to obtain unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves or others.
● Do not be swayed by partisan interests, public pressure, or fear of criticism.
● Do not denigrate the organization or fellow Board members or employees in any public arena.
Therefore:
To preserve and uphold the Berlin Free Town Library’s reputation as an organization of unimpeachable integrity, Board members and employees will sign a “Conflict of Interest Statement” and an “Ethics Statement” at the beginning of each calendar year (and at the commencement of their service) during their tenure with the Berlin Free Town Library. Signed statements will be kept on file.
Compliance:
If the Director or Board members appear to be in conflict with the “Guiding Principles” above, they will be asked to meet with the executive committee to discuss the issue. The executive committee will make a recommendation to the full Board based on its findings.
Employees who are or appear to be in conflict with the “Guiding Principles” will be
asked to meet with the Director who will make a determination as to discipline or termination based on the findings.