[Publib] Friends group and ethics

[Stephanie Stokes]

Message: 5
Date: Mon, 8 May 2006 15:15:44 -0500
From: "Cynthia Hart" <chart at cityofsanbenito.com>
Subject: [Publib] Friends group and ethics

>>>>Does ALA have any guidelines about 
the ethics of Friends groups? <<<<<<< 

****  Friend's prez also a Library Board Member?
CONFLICT of INTEREST.  The Texas State Library has a 
Handbook Online 
See: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/pubs/plant/chone.html

**** Why don't you print out copies of the Handbook for all 
the library board members.  Put them in 3 ring binders 
and put them in their library cubby holes or have the
at each seat at the next meeting.

>>>>> Every week, we show a movie as a fundraiser. 

***** At .25 cents X 30 seats?    That is not a fundraiser!

***** Did the FOL or the Library pay for a "Public Performance 
Site License" at the level required to charge admission?
see: http://www.movlic.com/

>>>> My employees are expected to show the movie, sell candy 
and popcorn, collect the money, shop for snacks, etc. on 
Library time. I have to schedule an extra person on Saturdays 
to do this, which cuts into my salaries budget. It doesn't 
seem quite right to me. <<<<<<

***** It is not right and the FOL needs to have their 
"Fund-raising Committee" on hand and doing all these jobs.  
After all -- it is their event and what better way to also 
"Friend-raise" for new members.   

***** But then at $5.oo member dues?  The object of member 
dues is to support the FOL not support the members.  Add up 
the cost of postage stamps, printing of flyers, renewal 
notices with return envelopes, etc ??? How can they afford 
to operate the FOL?   Ahhhh the library staff <grin>

***** Make of budget of the money being spent on Food, 
Movie License, Flyers/Handouts, Insurance, etc. Also 
include what it "costs to Staff" the event as well as the
time you take someone off the desk to do the shopping.

***** I think you will discover it's not making money.
But is a nice way to get folks in the library.  Maybe 
the library should take it over.  Ahhh but then you would 
have to take the Budget the Library Board.

***** Like I said,  "CONFLICT of INTEREST"  ....

Stephanie Stokes, California