The goal of the South Hadley Public Library is to serve the
needs of the community to aid and encourage formal and informal education
by providing appropriate and relevant access to programming, services
and materials. This code has been prepared to provide guidelines for
the Trustees to observe, thereby avoiding ethical pitfalls that might
compromise achieving this goal.
A.
Trustees, in performance of their duties providing a high level of
library service, must observe ethical standards with absolute truth,
integrity and honor.
B.
Trustees must promote just and equitable library service to all citizens.
C.
Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests or financial
gain might be derived from those situations.
D.
It is incumbent upon any Trustee to disqualify himself or herself
immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.
E.
Trustees' actions and statements must clearly distinguish between
their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the institution;
the formal position of the Board should prevail.
F.
Trustees must uphold the principle of intellectual freedom and be
prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of the Director to
resist censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.
G.
Trustees must refrain from individual actions, statements, or comments
that might undermine the authority of the Director. Complaints received
from the staff or the public must be courteously referred to the Director.
If a member of the public is not satisfied with the actions of the
Director, a slot on the Board's agenda may be requested.
H.
Trustees are encouraged to participate in the activities of local,
state and national library agencies to the maximum extent possible.
I.
Trustees accepting appointment to the Board are expected to work
harmoniously with the Board, accepting the vote of the majority without
trying to dominate the Board or individual members.
