Skip to content

Code of Conduct

Purpose

Per its bylaws, the Maryland Library Association (MLA) exists to build and promote a strong, engaged, knowledgeable, diverse, and inclusive library community to advance the transformational impact of Maryland’s library staff and libraries. In pursuing this, the Association makes available conferences, programs, meetings, online member platforms, communication channels, publications, and promotional materials.

This code of conduct is intended to set expectations for appropriate behavior for all individuals across all MLA activities and platforms in order to establish a culture of professionalism, courtesy, respect, and inclusivity.

Statement of Commitment

MLA is committed to building welcoming spaces that are free of harassment and maintain professional environments based on mutual respect, civility, and a goal of learning from each other. We value civil discourse and free expression as fundamental principles for creating productive spaces for learning, collaboration, and advocacy.

Application

The rules and guidelines described in this code of conduct apply to all individuals who participate - both actively and passively - in MLA, including:

  • Members
  • Executive Board and Advisory Council members
  • Staff
  • Volunteers
  • Affiliate partners
  • Vendors, Speakers, and Attendees - including non-members - at MLA events

This applies to all official association activities and platforms, including but not limited to the following:

  • In-person meetings, conferences, and events.
  • Virtual events, webinars, and online forums.
  • Official written communications and social media related to association business.
  • Professional conduct related to the profession or industry the association serves.
  • Member-to-member communications by email, phone, or other messaging protocols that involve MLA business.

Rules & Guidelines

MLA, its members, and all participants in MLA programs, services, and business are guided by its Mission, Vision, and Values. Additionally, MLA expects all library workers to abide by its Code of Ethics.

MLA Executive Board and Advisory Council members will also complete a Conflict of Interest form prior to the start of their term on the Board/Council.

Encouraged behaviors

  • Assume best intentions from others.
  • Be mindful and respectful of surroundings and fellow attendees.
  • When disagreement occurs, prioritize understanding over persuading.
  • Exercise the option to leave a session or a conversation.
  • Comply immediately with requests from staff to modify or cease behavior.

Prohibited behaviors

  • Harassment or intimidation - including micro-aggressions - based on race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, appearance, or other group status.
  • Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
  • Yelling at or threatening (verbally or physically) speakers and/or attendees.
  • Disrupting the carrying out of programs, meetings, or other official activities.

Reporting and Enforcement

Report incidents of any sort to MLA Executive Director Josh Stone, by emailing mlaexec@mdlib.org or calling 410.947.5090. MLA staff maintain both the right and responsibility to thoroughly investigate all reported incidents and to exercise enforcement and consequences that align with the severity of the infraction.

Consequences may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Notification of the incident to the violator’s place of employment
  • Removal from MLA programs or other activities
  • Suspension of MLA membership
  • Removal from elected/appointed association office.

Written notice of the results of the investigation will be provided to the alleged violator, incident reporter, and Executive Board.

Incidents that require investigation of the Executive Director will be conducted by the Executive Board, following the “Grounds for Removal” requirements and processes outlined in Article V, Section 3 of the MLA Bylaws.

Appeals

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of notice of the result of the incident investigation. A reason for the appeal and arguments for changing the decision must be included in the document. The Steering Committee of the MLA Executive Board will oversee the appeal process.

Scroll To Top