Board of Directors

The Hudson Library and Historical Society 
96 Library Street
Hudson, Ohio 44236

Mission Statement Letter to Applicants Board of Directors Application Conflict of Interest Document ALA Library Bill of Rights
 

Conflict of Interest Policy

Adopted 12/11/00

            Trustees must, in general, avoid situations in which their personal interests conflict with the needs of the Library. This extends particularly to decisions involving financial transactions entered into by the Library. Each year Trustees are asked to review the Statement of Ethics for Library Trustees (Ohio Public Library Trustees’ Handbook) as well as this Conflict of Interest Statement. These policies are intended to guide each Trustee’s decisions on behalf of the Library. 

            A conflict of interest shall be defined as any situation in which the personal interests of a Trustee might be served or financial benefit gained at the expense of Library users or at the expense of the institution itself. A direct conflict exists whenever there is a proposed transaction or arrangement in which a Trustee has any actual or potential involvement, interest, relationship or gain. An indirect conflict exists in the following situations: when any party involved in a transaction with the Library is an entity in which the trustee has a material or financial interest; or if a trustee as an affiliation with a party involved in a transaction with the Library. 

            Should any trustee perceive a direct or indirect conflict of interest, it must be brought to the attention of the Board immediately. The Board shall examine the nature and extent of the potential conflict; any resolution shall hold the Library’s interest paramount as well as maintain the Board’s integrity in its governing role.

I have read the above Conflict of Interest Policy and the attached Statement of Ethics for Library Trustees, and agree to abide by the rules set forth therein.

 

 Date  ____________________________

 

 

A Statement of Ethics for Library Trustees
Appendix D.5b (page 146)
Trustees Handbook
 

Trustees must promote the highest level of library service while observing ethical standards. 

Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the institution. 

It is incumbent upon any trustee to disqualify himself/herself 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. 

A trustee must respect the confidential nature of library business while being aware of and in compliance with that particular state’s freedom of information act. 

Trustees must be prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals. 

Trustees who accept appointment to a library board are expected to perform the duties and responsibilities of a trustee. 

Endorsed by the Board of Directors of the American Library Trustee Association and the public Library Association, July 1985