8 Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
8.1 Code of Ethics
The Library endorses the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association.
Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.
Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.
We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.
The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.
- We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
- We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
- We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
- We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
- We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
- We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
- We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
- We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
The ALA Code of Ethics is located at https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics.
8.2 Removal of Library materials
It is against Library policy and is a serious offense for library employees to remove library materials for any reason including patron complaint or staff sensitivity. Challenges to library materials must be handled by the Library Director and the Administrative Board of Trustees according to the Library’s collection development policy. All such decisions must be made in accordance with Article 3, Section 13 of the Constitution of the State of Mississippi and with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
8.3 Disclosure of Patron Records
Section 39‐3‐365 et seq. of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated forbids divulging patron records to anyone, including law enforcement, unless the Library has the express written permission of the respective Library user or a court order has been issued specifying the release of the records. Patron records are defined as records that contain information relating to the identity of the Library user, relative to the user's use of books or other materials at the Library. Aggregate statistics shown from registration and circulation records, with all personal identification removed, may be released or used by the library for research, planning and reporting purposes. The law does not prohibit disclosure for the purpose of collecting overdue books, documents, films or other items that belong to the Library. If law enforcement requests patron records, employees must direct the requests to the Library Director or Designee.
8.4 Conflicts of Interest and Integrity
Library employees are expected and required to:
- maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality and conduct;
- avoid any misconduct and/or conflicts of interest;
- be impartial in all decision making and not give unjustified preferences to other staff or patrons.
- avoid using, or appearing to use, their position for personal gain (other than the remuneration received pursuant to employment) or for family members’ personal gain;
No act shall be committed by an employee that could result in the questioning of the Library’s integrity. Library employees are required to comply with all state ethics laws regarding conflicts‐of‐interest, Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, § 25‐4‐101 et seq. Associations, dealings, relationships or interests that could affect, or reasonably appear to affect, an employee’s objectivity in performing his/her job or in making decisions required of his/her position must be avoided. Any potential conflict of interest or situation that could be reasonably viewed as a conflict of interest must be immediately reported to the immediate supervisor. A Library employee cannot serve in elected or appointed positions that have decision making authority over the Library. A current Library employee must immediately resign if he/she accepts an elected or appointed position that has decision making authority over the Library. The Library recognizes the potential conflicts of interest associated with employment of relatives, friends, or co‐workers in a dating relationship. Potential claims of favoritism, partiality and conflict‐of‐interest are detrimental to the efficient operation of the Library and a violation of Library policy. The immediate supervisor will take prompt action to address any actual, potential or reasonably perceived conflicts of interest that arise involving employees. Employees are not to engage in any activity in either a private or official capacity where a conflict of interest may reasonably exist. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. In addition to complying with all state laws governing conflicts of interest, employees are also required to comply with all state laws regarding nepotism.
For more detail and updates, see Mississippi Ethics Commission - http://www.ethics.state.ms.us/ethics/ethics.nsf/.
8.5 Nepotism
Nepotism is prohibited by Mississippi state law, Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, § 25‐1‐53. It is unlawful for any public official or trustee to appoint or employ any person who is paid with public funds, if that person is related to the public official or trustee by blood or marriage within the third degree as computed by civil law. Nepotism does not apply to any employee who has been with the library or library system prior to the time his/her kinsman, within the third degree, becomes director of the public library system or a member of either an Administrative Board of Trustees or an Advisory Board of Trustees. In Mississippi, the Guide to Civil Law Degrees of Kinship is as follows:
First Degree: Parents, Spouse, Children
Second Degree: Brothers, Sisters, Grandparents, Grandchildren
Third Degree: Uncles/Aunts, Nephews/Nieces, Great-grandparents, Grandchildren
Adopted 09.10.2019
Reviewed 12.13.2022
Reviewed and ALA Code of Ethics link updated 03.18.2025