View and Reflect
| Site: | MSL Learn |
| Course: | Legal Topics: Meeting Rooms and the Library as a Public Forum |
| Book: | View and Reflect |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, 5 October 2025, 5:49 AM |
Description
Work through this section to access discussion questions, webinar recording, speaker information, and resources.
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About our Speaker
Kris Goss is the Director of Library Learning Hub at Helena College - University of Montana. Kris also serves as an attorney and currently works with the firm of Jackson, Murdo, & Grant, P.C. in Helena.
Kris previously worked with the Montana School Boards Association and served as a law clerk in the chambers of the Honorable Sam E. Haddon in the United States District Court for the District of Montana. Prior to law school, Kris worked as the Governor’s K-12 Education Policy Advisor and Deputy Communications Director in the administration of Governor Judy Martz.
Kris earned a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law, a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Arts from Carroll College. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Trust for Montana Libraries Board of Directors and serves on the Montana Library Association Intellectual Freedom and Government Affairs Committees.
Discussion Questions
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How can libraries balance their role as limited public forums with the need to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons?
Consider how policies can support both free expression and operational order.
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What are the key differences between content-based and viewpoint-based restrictions, and why is it important for libraries to distinguish between them in their policies?
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In what ways can libraries ensure fair access to meeting rooms and display spaces, especially when faced with regular use by specific groups such as faith-based or political organizations?
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How should library staff navigate their responsibilities when facilitating access to meeting rooms without appearing to endorse or support the content of the events held there?
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What are the legal and ethical considerations for allowing commercial activities, such as art sales or private rentals, within public library spaces?
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How can libraries design policies that are both legally sound and practically enforceable, particularly when addressing controversial or potentially disruptive events?
Discussion questions generated from the webinar transcript using Microsoft Copilot.
Recording
(59:42)
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