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Value Statement & Code of Conduct

Value Statement

The Manitoba Library Association (MLA) upholds intellectual freedom, social responsibility, and the equitable access of library resources and services. To that end, MLA condemns all calls to censor and/or defund libraries. As a leader of the library community, MLA provides advocacy and professional development to its membership.

While members are encouraged to develop their own perspective and views on critical issues and events, MLA members are committed to the key tenets of diversity, inclusion and equitable access to information and ideas.

Member Code of Conduct

The Manitoba Library Association is dedicated to providing a positive experience for members and to show respect and courtesy toward one another at all times. The Manitoba Library Association’s Code of Conduct provides clarity on behaviors that will not be tolerated. This Code of Conduct applies to members’ discourse and engagement in MLA spaces, such as but not limited to: in-person events and conferences, virtual events, Annual General Meetings, meetings of the Board, Listservs, and community events.

  1. We value ideas, thoughts and expression, and we appreciate new pedagogy when delivering workshops and sessions. The MLA supports members to foster this engagement in respectful and courteous manners.
  2. The MLA Board of Directors and Officers reserve the sole right to represent the Association. Any assumption of Association representation in public forums without permission to do so by the MLA Board of Directors may result in membership termination.
  3. Discriminatory language and imagery is not appropriate for any event, including talks, workshops, sessions or any community event online or in a face to face environment.
  4. We do not tolerate harassment of any form.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments or non-verbal expressions related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religious beliefs, sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces (including online), deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Any violation of the above Code of Conduct may be subject to membership termination.

This value statement and code of conduct was adopted by the MLA Board on February 15, 2024.