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Laws and Regulations

From the Handbook for Library Trustees

• As corporations in the public arena, libraries are subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. While trustees cannot be expected to understand all the details of every pertinent law, they should be familiar enough with the major legal issues to be assured that their library is always in compliance. Boards are strongly advised to solicit the assistance of legal counsel well versed in education and municipal law. It is important however, for every trustee to understand the legal foundation of their library and the extent and limitations of the Board of Trustees' authority. read more
  

Additional Resources

PowerPoint presentation from the 2006 MHLS Executive Committee / Directors Forum: "Legal Issues for Boards"

• New York State
  • Library Laws and Regulations in New York State
    
    • Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards
    • Decisions of the Commissioner of Education
    • Open Meetings Law Advisory Opinion Listing
    • Confidentiality of Library Records Law of New York
    • Library Funding in New York State
  • Public Officers Law
  • Open Meetings Law
    • Open Meetings Law Advisory Opinion Listing
  • Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards
  • Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) [municipal, special district and school district libraries only]
  • Purchasing & Claims Processing FAQs
• Federal
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • US Department of Labor
  • LibraryLaw.com
• Records Retention Schedule
• Director's and Officers Insurance (D&O)