Policy Development

Who is Involved?

Who is involved? Who should be consulted? Who needs to know?

Policies are developed with input across all library stakeholder groups.  While the board has the responsibility to adopt policies, input from the library director, legal counsel, staff, and the public are important for new policies and policies under review.

New Policies

• The first draft of a new policy is prepared by the board's policy committee or by the director with input from the board . 
• Review by the library's legal counsel is encouraged, particularly to ensure the policy is consistent with applicable laws.
• Any new policies must be discussed and approved at a publicly noticed meeting. Be sure to include the drafts in your meeting materials for the public and staff to review before the board votes.  

Previously Adopted Policies

• Policies are reviewed by the board's policy committee with input and information provided by the director.
• Any policy changes must be discussed and approved at a publicly noticed meeting. Be sure to include the drafts in your meeting materials for the public and staff to review before the board votes.  

We'll look more at policy review later in this course.