Library Board Relationship to Local Government

This section of the course explores why it’s important to understand what form of local government your city or county uses. It also attempts to increase your understanding about why it’s important to understand the duties of the different officers and what challenges they might face in their work.

This understanding can help you better navigate the sometimes tense conversations that can occur when discussing the board’s authority, the library’s budget, personnel, or facilities. We’ll finish this section by talking about ways the library can reduce tension.

Why does the form of your local government matter?

This is a reasonable question. It matters because of the following mandates spelled out in Montana laws.