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Our county library system has a 7 member Board of Trustees, and their meetings provide the opportunity for the public to present their comments.
I see, thanks. The library gets funds from the county, and someone decides how they're funded, it's probably the board of commissioners. The Board of Trustees, I guess defines, library policies and such, but they got to be accountable before taxpayers, and I'm not sure if there's direct connection here. It seems like this is dependent on the county and there a few systems out there, I found no evidence of Board of Trustees so far. I'm getting the lawyer involved, so they should find out who exactly should be contacted but senior county executive branch official got a notice sent for starters.
Library is usually managed by a board of directors, library council or other local authority.
A librarian is designated as the library director or library manager. In small municipalities, city or county government may serve as the library board and there may be only one librarian involved in the management and direction of the library.
Associations of library and information professionals, such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) help establish norms and standard procedures, secure funding, advocate at the state or national level and certify library schools or information schools.
Ok, this makes sense.
This is not a large town and I don't think this library has a separate board, it looks more like what you said about the county government acting as its board. (the librarian is not the one I'm interested in contacting). I guess this structure is very different depending on the county and the state.
I'm talking about some legal aspects here, it more has to do with federal and state law than with library associations guidelines and norms. I got county executive branch leadership contacted, I'm sure they can forward the correspondence to the right point of contact, and the rest will be taken care of by the lawyer, as needed.
Aside from taking care of legal matters it's just interesting to find out more about governance over library and spending of the funds. (I think the libraries are largely doomed given digital transformation and Amazon, though, unless they're transformed into some kind of community centers, kids events places, etc)
Ok, this makes sense.
This is not a large town and I don't think this library has a separate board, it looks more like what you said about the county government acting as its board. (the librarian is not the one I'm interested in contacting). I guess this structure is very different depending on the county and the state.
I'm talking about some legal aspects here, it more has to do with federal and state law than with library associations guidelines and norms. I got county executive branch leadership contacted, I'm sure they can forward the correspondence to the right point of contact, and the rest will be taken care of by the lawyer, as needed.
Aside from taking care of legal matters it's just interesting to find out more about governance over library and spending of the funds. (I think the libraries are largely doomed given digital transformation and Amazon, though, unless they're transformed into some kind of community centers, kids events places, etc)
I think libraries besides taxpayers money get also
grants and private donations.
Here you might find additional info that could help your case:
OP, you still haven’t divulged all these behaviors that are violating taxpayers’ rights.
It's probably because he doesn't like a book the librarian selected.
Many people don't realize that librarians are not charged with performing censorship in book selection.
In fact, they take an oath against it.
Many criteria go into book selection including patron requests.
Code of Ethics
As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.
Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.
We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.
The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.
We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.
Adopted at the 1939 Midwinter Meeting by the ALA Council; amended June 30, 1981; June 28, 1995; January 22, 2008; and June 29, 2021.
Not a general discussion of libraries and their problems. I believe the OP has received several answers to their question and is not likely to come back and elaborate on their complaint.
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