Topic outline

  • Welcome!

    Collapse all Expand all

    Law books section in libraryIf you completed the Montana Library Law course, you have a good start with the general laws and how they apply to libraries.  In this course we want to get you to a deeper level of understanding of how different library laws apply to different types of libraries.  Adhering to relevant laws helps Library Directors and Trustees make better decisions.

    You will learn more about the various laws and then practice some sticky decision-making based on your new understandings.

    Please note the content of this course is not legal advice. We are simply sharing some best practices for complying with several laws that impact libraries. It is always wise to seek legal counsel when you have a question about the law.

  • Personnel

    Guiding Questions4 people in an office
    • What is the board’s power and authority when it comes to hiring, setting duties, and compensation? What about termination?
    • Who supervises the director? Who supervises employees? 
    • How does personnel management need to consider local government policy and why? 

  • Property

    Guiding Questionsview from above a neighborhood intersection
    • Who owns the property? 
    • Who decides whether to make changes or sell the property? 
    • What does that mean for insurance and maintenance of the property? What about signing contracts? 
    • What are best practices for managing the relationship between local governments and the library board? 

  • Budget

    Guiding Questionsbundles of one dollar bills

    • Who has the authority over the bottom line? What does that mean for general fund vs. dedicated library levy? 
    • Who has authority over individual line items? 
    • What is board authority? What about director authority? 
    • How do we handle unexpected grants? 
    • What about private funding and donations? What are the options for managing these?

  • Board Members

    Guiding QuestionsGroup of people representing library boards

    • Who appoints? What’s best practice for the process of recruitment?  
    • Who can remove board members? What’s the best practice for managing that? 
    • How does the election of board members work for library districts? What if there isn’t a competition for the position?

  • Course Wrap-Up


    • Here's what we've covered:
      •  understanding of board and local government authority in the following areas 
        • Personnel – management, salaries, and hiring/termination 
        • Property – ownership, remodeling, maintenance, and contracts 
        • Budget – setting, spending money, management 
        • Board – appointments and removals 
      • awareness of attorney general opinions and case law and their impact on board authority. 

      Before you complete the course evaluation please consider these questions:

      • What new information have you learned?
      • What is something you need to learn more about?
      • Which MSL Staff member or other do you need to connect with?
      • Who can you share your new knowledge with?