Trustee Ethics Policy

The Fountaindale Public Library is dependent on the trust of its community to successfully achieve its mission. Therefore, it is crucial that all board members conduct business on behalf of the Fountaindale Public Library with the highest level of integrity, avoiding any impropriety or the appearance of impropriety.

Guiding Principles:

Board members should uphold the integrity of the Fountaindale Public Library and should perform their duties impartially and diligently.
Board members should not engage in discrimination of any kind including that based on race, class, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or belief system.
Board members should protect and uphold library patrons’ right to privacy in their use of the library’s resources.
Board members should avoid situations in which their personal interests, activities, or financial affairs are likely to be perceived as being in conflict with the best interests of Fountaindale Public Library.
Board members should avoid having interests that may reasonably bring into question their position in a fair, impartial and objective manner.
Board members should 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.
Board members should not use or attempt to use their position with the Fountaindale Public Library to obtain unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves or others.
Board members should not be swayed by partisan interests, public pressure, or fear of criticism.
Board members should not denigrate the organization or fellow board members or employees in any public arena.

Therefore:

Fountaindale Public Library’s reputation as an organization of unimpeachable integrity, each board member will sign this ethics policy at every biennial board reorganization during their tenure as a board member with the Fountaindale Public Library District.

Compliance:

If any board member appears to be in conflict with the Guiding Principles above, he or she will be asked to meet with the Board of Trustees to discuss the issue. The Board of Trustees will take action based on their findings.