NLLS Policies

STATEMENT OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Section: NLLS Board | Chapter: Vision and Policy Statements | Page(s): 2

Subject: BOARD CODE OF ETHICS | Sec 2, 1F

Reviewed: 2021/03/30 | Revised: 2021/05/29 | Effective: 2017/05/13

1. The Board and its members shall operate in an ethical and professional manner representing the Board in a positive light, taking no private action that will compromise the Board and its decisions.
2. Board trustees shall follow the common law and ethical responsibilities of Alberta Board Trustees.
3. Legal required obligations:
   1. A library trustee is expected to manage the affairs of the library with the same degree of skill and hard work and care he or she brings to their own affairs (this can apply to councilors and their knowledge about municipal affairs)
   2. A library trustee has a duty to become informed about the business of the board, including: applicable legislation, and what is required in order to be an effective trustee.
   3. A library trustee must keep confidential private information he/she learns as a result of their activity as a trustee, and may not personally benefit from it, either during the term or after. In camera.
   4. A library trustee must put the best interests of the board before their own or any other.
   5. A library trustee may not make advance agreement with another person or organization to vote a certain way. (“contracting the vote”) exception shall be given to allow trustees to campaign for Board Chair one (1) month prior as well as the Annual General Meeting (election meeting).
   6. If a library trustee stands to make a personal profit from any activity of the board, he/she must declare your interest, and may not participate in discussion or vote in relation to it. (i.e. no conflicts of interest)
4. Ethical however not legal required obligations:
   1. A library trustee must want to serve as a trustee.
   2. A library trustee must endorse, without reservation, the mission of the library board.
   3. A library trustee must believe in the value of libraries.
   4. Trustees are expected to take responsibility for their personal development through continuing education opportunities and are encouraged to participate in provincial and national library organizations.
5. Trustees should support intellectual freedom in the selection of library material.
6. When a trustee is delegated by the Board to attend a specific function, those expenses reimbursed by any other group may not be claimed from Northern Lights Library System.
7. Written submission regarding a potential breach of Board policy must result in a review in camera of the breach by the Executive Committee within thirty (30) days of receipt of written submission.
8. Breach of Board policy after Executive Committee review of the breach may result in a letter of notice to the municipality for action.

9. Breaches of Board policy may result in a letter of reappointment request to the municipality to have the NLLS Board member replaced for the remainder of their term of appointment.