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.)

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Kay Schwartz

Director

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

Phone: 810-249-2038

Fax: 810-249-2633

Email: kschwartz@fpl.info

From: Frederick J. Kirby [mailto:libraryfjk@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@yahoo.com