Congratulations! You are a Public Library Trustee...Now What?: Ethics

Ethics

As a Board member of a public library, you are a public officer. The public expects that your conduct will always be above question and for the public good, not for your own interest or another special interest. What's more, Montana law specifically addresses expectations for ethical conduct of state and local officials.

As mandated by the Constitution of Montana, Montana has a code of ethics that prohibits conflict between public duty and private interest for members of the legislature, state employees and local officers.

Montana Code Annotated states the following related to local government officers. Follow the linked text to read the law in full.

2-2-103. Public trust -- public duty. (1) The holding of public office or employment is a public trust, created by the confidence that the electorate reposes in the integrity of public officers, legislators, and public employees. A public officer, legislator, or public employee shall carry out the individual's duties for the benefit of the people of the state.

(2) A public officer, legislator, or public employee whose conduct departs from the person's public duty is liable to the people of the state and is subject to the penalties provided in this part for abuse of the public's trust.

(3) This part sets forth various rules of conduct, the transgression of any of which is a violation of public duty, and various ethical principles, the transgression of any of which must be avoided.

(4) (a) The enforcement of this part for:

(iii) local government officers and employees is provided for in 2-2-144.

Two main principles apply to your conduct in your role as a public library trustee: public trust and public duty. Whenever you consider using public property or time or your position as a trustee to benefit yourself, your business, or a special interest group--think twice.

By keeping these rules in mind as you do your job, you will be able to carry out your duties for the benefit of the people of your community and avoid taking actions which would cause you to depart from your public duty and violate the public’s trust.