Section 9: Code of Ethics

Section 9:  Code of Ethics

In compliance with the State of Illinois Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430/1-1 et seq. The MAPLD Library Board of Trustees has adopted Ordinance 4-1964-1819-001 (“Ethics Ordinance”).  The Ethics Ordinance applies to all elected officials and employees of the MAPLD.  The MAPLD endorses and supports the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics and the Illinois Library Association’s “Statement on Ethics” and expects that all MAPLD employees will strive to maintain the highest levels of personal and professional integrity.  Additionally, the MAPLD Board of Trustees will follow the Code of Ethics established by the United for Libraries: Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office.

MAPLD employees are held to a high standard of ethical behavior.  As set forth in the Ethics Ordinance, no MAPLD employee may accept or solicit any gift or service that is offered to influence the employee’s action, seeks to curry special privileges or favors, or is given to reward the employee for doing his or her job.  Token items, such as food or flowers, may be accepted and shared.  In exceptional cases, where the item cannot be returned, the Library Director will donate the item to an appropriate local charity, such as Goodwill.  MAPLD employees are also prohibited from using their position for private gain and from transacting Library business with any entity in which they have a financial interest.  It shall be a violation of this policy for a MAPLD employee to participate directly or indirectly in the purchasing process when the employee knows that:

  1. The employee is employed by or otherwise has a financial interest in a bidder, vendor or contractor involved in the transaction; or
  2. The employee, the employee’s partner, or any member of the employee’s immediate family has a financial interest in or holds a position with a bidder, or contractor such as an officer, director, trustee, partner or the like, or is employed in a capacity involving personal and substantial participation in the transaction; or
  3. The employee, the employee’s partner, or any member of the employee’s immediate family has a financial interest arising from the transaction; or
  4. The employee, the employee’s partner, or any member of the employee’s immediate family is negotiating, or has an arrangement concerning, prospective employment with a bidder, vendor or contractor.

The employee’s immediate family is defined as a spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters, and any other person living in the same household as the employee.

A financial interest includes any ownership or investment interest including stock, partnership shares and limited liability company memberships, as well as loans, bonds or other financial instruments that are secured by an entity’s property or revenue.

MAPLD employees will receive training and opportunities to discuss case studies in areas of librarianship that might present ethical dilemmas.  MAPLD employees are encouraged to discuss any concerns about their own handling of potential problems with their supervisors, or the Library Director before or after a situation has occurred.

Approved on: April 14, 2014
Revised on: 11/15/16 & 10/16/2018
Reviewed on: 4/13/2021