Carver County Library Board Policy: Ethics for Carver County Library Board Members 
Section LB10

Date Approved: 2/11/25
Previous Policy: 2/8/22
Review Date: 2/2028

Board members, in the capacity of trust upon them, shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity and honor. 

A local official may not accept a gift from a person or a representative of a person or association that has a direct financial interest in a decision that a local official is authorized to make.  Pursuant to Minnesota State Statute Section 471.895, Carver County Library Board members may be considered local officials who are prohibited from accepting certain gifts.  Library Board members and their close family shall not accept gifts of any sort unless specifically noted in Minnesota State Statute 10A.071 or Minnesota State Statute 471.895 as acceptable.  If there is any doubt on whether a gift should be accepted, the gift should be declined.  Gifts that are acceptable and benefit the County shall be accepted by the County Board.   

Board members must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the situation. 

 It is incumbent upon any board member to disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists. 

Board members must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the institution, acknowledging and supporting the formal position of the board even if they personally disagree. 

 A Board member must respect the confidential nature of some aspects of library business while being aware of and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information and open meetings law. 

Board members must be prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of staff in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.