Why are policies important?

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.