The video in this presentation about ethics and library governance can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0CyivKDn_o

1. Are You Trustee-Worthy?
Ethics for Library Trustees
10.13.11
Iowa Library Association Conference

2. Who ya gonna call?
e-trustee
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Iowa Library Association Conference

3. 10.13.11
Iowa Library Association Conference

4. 225 employees
1 building
+
4 bookmobiles
1 unified brand
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Iowa Library Association Conference

5. Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Library Board of Trustees
Friends of the Library Board
The Library Foundation Board
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Iowa Library Association Conference

6. Why Are You a Library Trustee?
“the library has books i don’t approve of.”
“Somebody asked me.”
“I’ve just always loved the library.”
“ ”
The library is important to the community.
“The library has meant so much to me
and my family. I want to give back.”
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Iowa Library Association Conference

7. Your Turn: Why Are You a Library Trustee?
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Iowa Library Association Conference

8. burning with excitement
dedicated
PASSION
exciting
faithful
desirous fervent
committed
devoted animated
fascinated
eager
blazing
BrEAThLESS abandoned
aroused
courageous concerned
exuberant
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Iowa Library Association Conference

9. “Ethics is knowing the difference
between what you have a right to
do and what is right to do.”
- Potter Stewart, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
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Iowa Library Association Conference

10. Ethics in Government

11. Trustee Job Description
Advocating

Planning

 onitoring and evaluating
M
 aking policy
M
Hiring and evaluating the director

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Iowa Library Association Conference

12. “It’s not just what you do,
it’s how you do it.”
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Iowa Library Association Conference

13. Duty
care
Lo
yA
LTy
Obedience
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Iowa Library Association Conference

14. Question for You as a Trustee
Do I know my library’s mission?
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Iowa Library Association Conference

15. Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s Mission
your Place.
Stories you want, information you need, connections you seek.
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Iowa Library Association Conference

16. An Ethical Board
Has a Code of Ethics
Reviews it regularly
Reviews its decisions and the behavior of its members
Takes the appropriate action if a trustee behaves unethically
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Iowa Library Association Conference

17. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 carefully
Listen
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Iowa Library Association Conference

18. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Respect opinions
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Iowa Library Association Conference

19. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Support decisions
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Iowa Library Association Conference

20. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Respect the board’s authority
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Iowa Library Association Conference

21. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 informed
Stay
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Iowa Library Association Conference

22. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Participate actively
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Iowa Library Association Conference

23. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Communicate issues that could have
a negative effect
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Iowa Library Association Conference

24. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 the library story
Tell
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Iowa Library Association Conference

25. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 to and refer complaints
Listen
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Iowa Library Association Conference

26. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 micromanage
Don’t
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Iowa Library Association Conference

27. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 the best director
Hire
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Iowa Library Association Conference

28. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Represent the whole community
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Iowa Library Association Conference

29. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 good fiscal stewards
Be
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Iowa Library Association Conference

30. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 and grow
Learn
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Iowa Library Association Conference

31. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 conflict of interest
Avoid
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Iowa Library Association Conference

32. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 with one voice
Speak
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Iowa Library Association Conference

33. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 expect special treatment
Don’t
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Iowa Library Association Conference

34. Trustee Ethics Checklist
 confidentiality
Uphold
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Iowa Library Association Conference

35. Trustee Ethics Checklist

Respect the spirit and intent of the
open Meetings law
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Iowa Library Association Conference

36. rules Don’t Ensure Ethical Behavior
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Iowa Library Association Conference

37. Failure to Engage
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Iowa Library Association Conference

38. The City Council Steps In
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Iowa Library Association Conference

39. Child Protection or Censorship?
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Iowa Library Association Conference

40. Service to board
Conflict of interest
Career
aspirations
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Iowa Library Association Conference

41. Questions for the Board
If a trustee behaves unethically, what action
may or should the board take?
Why should someone serve on a board?
Why should someone not serve on a board?
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Iowa Library Association Conference

42. Question for You as a Trustee
What if my personal/social/religious beliefs are in
conflict with the library’s mission and policy?
Do I understand and support all of the library’s
policies (not just the ones I agree with)?
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Iowa Library Association Conference

43. Questions?
Gina Millsap
gmillsap@tscpl.org
785 580-4480
twitter: GinaMillsap
candidate for president of ALA | visit ginajmillsap.com