RESOURCE MATERIALS

PROTECT YOUR LIBRARY
Adopt the following policies:
    Collection Development Keene Public Library
    Materials Selection Wadleigh Memorial Library, Milford
    Program Selection Jaffrey Public Library
    Library Display Hooksett Library
    Bulletin Board Durham Public Library
    Request for Reconsideration of Materials or Programs Wadleigh Memorial Library, Milford
    Reconsideration Form Wadleigh Memorial Library, Milford

Censorship and Library Policies
Resources cited in the Winter 2022-23 newsletter article on page three titled, “Censorship Update – Practical Tips for Proactive Preparation” by Lori Fisher:

• The Library Display Policy (PDF) is also available on the Durham Public Library website policies page.
• ALA Crisis Communication policy PDF.
• Link to ALA Challenge Reporting.

"FIRST AMENDMENT" Audits: What Are They and How Do You Handle One?”
Excellent article in the NHMA July/August 2023 Town & City magazine.
LINK to the webinar available on NHMA Youtube.

BUILDING PROJECTS
Architects, Planners, Project Managers, Builders, etc. LIST

MANAGEMENT MATERIALS
Management materials such as "Best Practices" and samples from other libraries are provided for trustee board use. Be aware that the contents have not passed any legal review.

Trustee Job Description
Trustee Code of Ethics
ALA Golden Rules for Board Members
Effective Trustee Board Members
The Role of Library Trustee: ALA Tip Sheet
Library Board Self-Evaluation: ALA Handbook

Meetings: Robert's Rules of Order Helpful Tips
Meetings: Robert's Rules of Order Simplified
Evaluate your Board Meetings
Sample Meeting Agenda

Sample Meeting Minutes

Nonpublic session CHECKLIST

Information on Right-to-Know law including Nonpublic Session Checklist and Minutes Form on the NH Municipal Association (NHMA) website

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
Sample: Library Funds/Trustees and Select Board (generic)
PDF: MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)  MSWord document
Sample: Building Maintenance/Barrington Public Library
PDF: MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)  MSWord document
Sample: Milton Library Trustee Board and Select Board
PDF: MOU/Cooperative Agreement   MSWord document

Library Jobs: a list of sources where to advertise position openings
Library Statistics: collected annually by the NH State Library
Library Value Calculator: ALA Advocacy "Making the Case"

Library Director Job Description - generic sample 1
Library Director Evaluation - generic sample 1
Responsibilities of Trustee & Director
Working as a Team: Director-Trustees

Working Together: Director-Trustees-Friends

Funds Management: Trustee Handbook NH Dept of Justice, Charitable Trusts workshop handout
Volunteers Best Practices NH State Library (Rev 12-2019)

The following articles are for reference only and are available with permission from the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA). New Hampshire Town and City magazine articles are copyright protected by the New Hampshire Municipal Association, Concord, NH.

Legal Q & A: The NH Right-to-Know Law: A Year in Review July/August 2018

Legal Q & A: The Powers and Duties of Library Trustees 2010

Legal Q & A: Problem Patrons in the Public Library 2011

Legal Q & A: Meeting Minutes 101 2007 * see RSA 91-A updates July/August 2018

Legal Q & A: Of Meeting Minutes and Machines 2011

Legal Q & A: Sealing of Nonpublic Session Meeting Minutes 2010 * see RSA 91-A updates July/August 2018

Municipal Records Retention 2013

GOVERNANCE
NH RSA 202-A:11 authorized trustees to "Adopt bylaws, rules and regulations for its own transaction of business and for the government of the library."

Bylaws
Bylaws define the governing and operational rules and procedures of the library and the trustee board. For example, typical bylaws would include election and terms of board officers, officer position descriptions, meeting schedule, templates for agenda and minutes. Bylaws should be reviewed on a regular basis to keep current with changing needs and statutes. Bylaws cannot override or be counter to existing laws. NHLTA recommends that byllaws be reviewed by an attorney to ensure compliance. Bylaws are a public document and should be available to the public. NHLTA has compiled a list of samples.

Personnel policies
Every library should have library-specific personnel policies that include employment position descriptions and classifications, conditions of work, benefits (including all leave and vacation policies), employment practices, and personnel processes (including paycheck distribution, discipline and grievance procedures). Personnel policies should be reviewed on a regular basis to keep current with changing needs and statutes. Personnel policies cannot override or be counter to existing laws. NHLTA recommends that personnel policies be reviewed by an attorney to ensure compliance. Personnel policies are a public document and should be available to the public.

Library policies
Library policies are set by the board to define library services and operations such as hours of operation, customer relations, staffing, employee conduct and other operational matters. Policies should be reviewed on a regular basis to keep current with changing needs and statutes. Policies cannot override or be counter to existing laws. NHLTA recommends that policies be reviewed by an attorney to ensure compliance. Policies are a public document and should be available to the public. NHLTA has compiled a recommended LIST of library policies.

SAMPLES
Community Health & Safety Policy (post pandemic) Jaffrey Public Library (Jan 2023)

Collection Development Jaffrey Public Library (revised 4-2017)
Cook Library (Tamworth) Policies and Bylaws

Hooksett Public Library. Policies

Keene Public Library. Policies and Bylaws
Wadleigh Library (Milford) Bylaws

NETWORKING
Co-ops
Public libraries in New Hampshire are clustered into 11 library co-ops. These co-ops are a good source for finding neighboring library trustee boards to organize regional gatherings to network and share information, and talk about issues that are common to all trustees.

The following lists contain co-op and population information and can be downloaded.
Library list sorted by city/town name in alpha order with co-op
Library list sorted by population
Library list sorted by co-op in alpha order
Library list sorted by co-op and population

PDF files are opened using Adobe Acrobat Reader, available at Adobe's web site.