TRUSTEE POLICY
APPOINTMENT
The Keokuk Public Library of Trustees is composed of nine members, appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.
QUALIFICATIONS
All members of the board are citizens and residents of the city, over the age of 18.
TERMS OF OFFICE
Terms are for six years, except to fill vacancies, and commence on July 1st. Tenure shall be limited to two successive six-year terms, with reappointment permissible following a two-year period of non-service.
ATTENDANCE
The position of any trustee shall be vacant if he moves permanently from the city; or if he is absent from three consecutive regular meetings of the board, except in cases of sickness or temporary absence from the city.
Should the above situation arise, appropriate notification will be sent by the board to the mayor and council so that a new appointment can be made.
RESIGNATION
Upon resignation from the board, formal notification should be sent by the resigning trustee to both the library board and the mayor.
Adopted 4/16/1990
Revised 11/21/2011
Reviewed 2/24/2020
Revised 3/18/2024
ETHICS STATEMENT FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Public library Trustees are accountable for the resources of the library as well as seeing that the library provides the best possible service to its community.
Every Trustee makes a personal commitment to contribute the time and energy to faithfully carry out his/her duties and responsibilities effectively and with absolute truth, honor, and integrity.
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Trustees shall respect the opinions of their colleagues and not be critical or disrespectful when they disagree or oppose a viewpoint different than their own.
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Trustees shall comply with all the laws, rules and regulations that apply to them and to their library.
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Trustees, in fulfilling their responsibilities, shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public pressure or fear of criticism.
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Trustees shall not engage in discrimination of any kind and shall uphold library patrons’ rights to privacy in the use of library resources.
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Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the library, acknowledging and supporting the formal position of the Board even if they disagree.
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Trustees must respect the confidential nature of library business and not disclose such information to anyone. Trustees must also be aware of and in compliance with Freedom of Information laws.
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Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained as a result of their position or access to privileged library information, for either themselves or others.
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A Trustee shall immediately disqualify him/herself whenever the appearance of or a conflict of interest exists.
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Trustees shall not use their position to gain unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves or others from the library or from those who do business with the library.
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Trustees shall not interfere with the management responsibilities of the director or the supervision of library staff.
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Trustees shall support the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.
Signature____________________________________Date_____________________
Adopted 3/19/1990
Revised 10/17/2011
Revised 11/20/2017
Reviewed 3/18/2024