Why are policies important?
| Site: | MSL Learn |
| Course: | Lawful and Fair: Policy Development for Public Libraries |
| Book: | Why are policies important? |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 4:27 PM |
Policies are Essential for Good Libraries
Policies set rules and expectations for how the library will be governed and used. Good policies help library staff meet the library’s mission by allowing them to maintain services in ways that are consistent and fair so that everyone can enjoy the library as intended. Good policies can also offer protection to the library in the event of legal action against the library.
Well-crafted policies adopted by the board allow the library director and staff to enforce the rules that make your library an orderly and welcoming place for everyone.
The privilege of using a public library requires a willingness to respect the rules set by the library board, as stated in 22-1-311, MCA:
Use of library – privileges.
Every library established under the provisions of this part shall be free to the use of the inhabitants of the city or the county supporting such library. The board may exclude from the use of the library any and all persons who shall willfully violate the rules of the library. The board may extend the privileges and use of the library to persons residing outside of the city or county upon such terms and conditions as it may prescribe by its regulations.
Some Public Library Standards requirements, such as hours of operation and internet access, may also be addressed through your library’s approved policies.
Kris Goss Explains the Purpose of Policies
This short clip is excerpted from a longer webinar. Take the Legal and Operational Issues Facing Montana's Libraries course for more information.
Policy on Policies Template
Study the content and structure of this generic template for a policy on policies. You can access a downloadable/printable version from the MSL Policy Development Resource webpage.
Policy _______:
Library Policy and Procedures
Adopted Date:
Library Policy and Procedures
The policies contained in this manual are adopted, implemented, and enforced in accordance with the governance authority vested with the Board of Trustees in accordance Title 22, Montana Code Annotated and related statues, regulations and court decisions.
Adoption and Amendment of Policies
Proposed new policies and proposed changes to existing policies shall be presented in writing for reading and discussion at a regular or special Board meeting. Members of the public, including Library employees, shall be provided a chance to comment on the proposed policy or revision in accordance with applicable laws and processes.
All new or amended policies shall become effective on adoption by a majority vote of the quorum of the Board at a duly constituted meeting; unless a specific effective date is stated in the motion for adoption. Policies, as adopted or amended, shall be made a part of the minutes of the meeting at which action was taken and also shall be included in the Library’s policy manual. Library policies shall be reviewed on a regular basis in compliance with applicable regulations.
Policy Manuals
The Director shall develop and maintain a current policy manual which includes all policies of the Library. Every patron, citizen, and employee shall have ready access to District policies in a suitable format.
Suspension of Policies
Under circumstances that require waiver of a policy, the policy may be suspended by a majority vote of the trustees present. To suspend a policy, however, all trustees must have received written notice of the meeting, which includes the proposal to suspend a policy and an explanation of the purpose of such proposed suspension.
Implementation Procedures
The Director shall develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to ensure consistent implementation of policies adopted by the Board.
Legal References:
Section 22-1-309, MCA – Trustees - Powers and Duties
Section 22-1-707, MCA – Duties and Powers of Board of Trustees
You can access a digital version of this template on the MSL Policy Development webpage.
Due Diligence
Take a few minutes to review your own board's policy manual.
If you don't have access to policies in a publicly posted place such as your library's website, this is a good opportunity to find out how to access your policies and start the work of providing transparent and easy access for the public.
Best practice for libraries is to post policies on the library website.
Examples:
Use your browser's back button to return to course after viewing examples from Billings or Great Falls.
Discussion
Here are two discussion questions that highlight the main ideas of this section:
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Why is it important for library policies to be clearly defined and consistently enforced, and how do they support the library’s mission and legal responsibilities?
This question encourages discussion about the role of policies in maintaining fairness, consistency, and legal protection for the library. -
How can library policies balance the need for order and accessibility while respecting the rights and privileges of all users, including those from outside the community?
This invites reflection on governance and the practical application of policies like those referenced in MCA 22-1-311.
Move on to What are good policies?