Print bookPrint book

What are good policies?

Site: MSL Learn
Course: Lawful and Fair: Policy Development for Public Libraries
Book: What are good policies?
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 4:32 PM

Table of contents

Library Policies – Sources

 

This short clip is excerpted from a longer webinar. Take the Legal Topics: Drafting, Enforcing, and Managing Operational Policies for more information.

Library policies originate from many areas to serve specific purposes. 

  • Statute, regulation or judicial opinion;
  • Established library practice;
  • Recommendation from local government or insurance carrier;
  • Board and community philosophy; and
  • Financial management or auditing requirements. 

Qualities of Good Policies

A good policy should meet each of these four criteria 

Complies with laws and regulations Reflects the library’s mission and community needs Is current, comprehensive, and consiste

 

Do You Need a Policy?

Policies are legal statements of the board and should not be overused to restrict access to public resources or hinder staff in carrying out the mission of the library.
 
With that said, sometimes it isn't necessary to formalize policies. Allowing the director to make decisions and direct staff in ways that are consistent with adopted policies can be clarified through procedures and regular supervision.
 
Work through the questions in the activity below to think through an issue your library is considering for policy adoption.  Be as specific as you can be in thinking through responses to the questions.
 

 

Flowchart content created by Microsoft Copilot.

Policy and Procedure - What's the Difference?

Watch this short clip to understand how policies and procedures are related but separate parts of the overall policy development process.

screenshot of slide describing policy and procedure differences

Policy vs Procedure   (use your browser's back button to return to course after watching the clip)

Policies guide procedures and clear policies make is much easier to develop procedures that staff can implement and patrons can understand.

Library Policies – Examples and Sources

Examples and templates can be helpful when drafting a new policy or revising current policies.

There are many sources of information to access when drafting, reviewing, or revising policies: 

  • Montana State Library 
  • Montana Library Association 
  • Montana School Boards Association 
  • Other Library Leaders 
  • Neighboring Libraries
  • Library Federation
  • Legal Counsel 
  • Local Government Partners 

While examples and templates are helpful, be sure to carefully review language and customize to your situation.  The process of policy development will help ensure your library's policy reflects the Qualities of Good Policies emphasized in this section of the course.

A Closer Look

screenshots of Billings and Great Falls policy pages.

Let's go back to the examples from Billings and Great Falls.

Visit one of the policy pages linked below and choose a policy to examine.

Use the back arrow to come back to the course.

With your library in mind, think about how your policy might look different for staff to implement and enforce.

Your next activity is What Did You Learn?