[Michlib-l] A Fund Raising Question for Public Library Directors

[Kay Schwartz]

Hi, Frederick,

 

It is not a conflict of interest for the library staff to raise money to
benefit library operations - libraries apply for grants all the time,
and it's the same thing to ask a corporation or an individual or a
charity for money. In fact, it is part of our jobs - and should be in
the Director's job description - to obtain funding for the library.
There are specific statutory prohibitions with respect to millage
campaign activities, of course, but outside of that, fundraising is more
than OK.

 

(We confirmed this with our attorneys before hiring a Director of
Development in 2012, but it's a legal opinion I can't share with others.
If you're concerned, have your attorney give an opinion.)

 

------------------------------------------------------------------

Kay Schwartz

Director

Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48502

Phone: 810-249-2038

Fax: 810-249-2633

Email: kschwartz at fpl.info

 

From: Frederick J. Kirby [mailto:libraryfjk at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 2:53 PM
To: Public Library Directors; Public Library Directors
Cc: Jean Walsh
Subject: [Michlib-l] A Fund Raising Question for Public Library
Directors

 

 Hello All,

 

My library board is considering a fund raising strategy for operating
capital due to severe declines in our tax revenues. 

 

A question has arisen about the participation of the Library Director
and/or other staff members in soliciting operating funds from private
donors.

 

Is it a conflict of interest for the Director and/or staff members to
ask corporations, foundations, and the general public for operating
funds? Since we are paid out of operating funds, is this a conflict of
interest?

 

Any experience or insight about this issue would be sincerely
appreciated.

 

 

Frederick J. Kirby, Library Director
Benton Harbor Public Library
213 East Wall St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-926-6139 (voice)
269-926-1674 (fax)
libraryfjk at yahoo.com

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