Mississippi Library Commission What are policies Policies are written statements that become administrative documents that serve to support the mission goals and objectives of the library system ID: 654088
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Slide1
Trustee Shorts
“Library Policies”Mississippi Library Commission Slide2
What are policies?
Policies are written statements that become administrative documents that serve to:
► support the mission, goals and objectives of the library system;
► clarify responsibilities of the library system staff and trustees; and
► protect the rights of individuals, both staff and customers. Slide3
Why do we need policies?
Policies are the instruments through which the administrative library board of trustees governs the public library system. Slide4
Essential policies
In Mississippi the essential policies are discussed in the
Mississippi Public Library System Accreditation Manual.
The library system board adopts written policies for operations, collection development and management, personnel, and Internet use. Policies are consistent with principles of intellectual freedom and the right of privacy as found in such documents as the U.S. Constitution and the Mississippi Code 1972 Annotated. The board reviews all policies at least every three years. All policies are available to staff and to the public. Slide5
Tips
Don’t write a policy because of one incident or one group of library customers –the exception is a Child Safety Policy. Write policies that can cover multiple situations and
exigencies.
Consider limiting specific information that is likely to change to an attachment. Slide6
What if?
Try to envision what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. Is there behavior that is so egregious that a customer would be banned temporarily or even permanently?Slide7
John Q. Public
Policies are an attempt to normalize behavior among a wide section of society. Everyone is welcome as long as they follow the rules.Slide8
Resources
Mississippi has two resources that are all “ours.” 1) First there is the “all–directors” list.
2) Don’t forget about “Mississippi Public Library Policy Development Guide.”
I have also found wonderful information on the Internet and in MLC’s Resource Collection.Slide9
Questions and Formal Training for Trustees?
Mississippi Library Commission1-800-647-7542Contact Mac Buntin at the Mississippi Library Commission mbuntin@mlc.lib.ms.us
601-432-4035