DEPARTMENT: Library
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Approval Of Library Materials Policy
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the updated Library Materials Policy.
SUMMARY
The adoption of the modified county manager form of government by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in 2014, by operation of law, resulted in the dissolution of the Dakota County Library Board that previously oversaw the operations, budget, policies, and other administrative responsibilities of the Dakota County Libraries pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 134. As a result, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners oversees the operations, budget, policies, and other administrative responsibilities of the Dakota County Libraries.
By Resolution No. 14-400 (August 12, 2014), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners established the Dakota County Library Advisory Committee with the following powers and duties:
• Maintain and develop the collection of materials available in County libraries (within the County Board-approved budget);
• Review and make decisions on disputed materials;
• Advise the Library Director and the County Board in the development of public programming for library services;
• Develop recommended annual work plans for the Committee;
• Review and make recommendations on long-range plans for the Library;
• Accept gifts of up to $500.00 for public library purposes; and
• Recommend rules governing library operations.
The passage of Minn. Stat. § 134.51, Access to Library Materials and Rights Protected, during the 2024 legislative session, required several additions to the Library Materials Policy. The changes include enhancing the definitions section to include the education requirements for selection staff, a more robust selection criteria, and an explanation of the Request for Reconsideration of Material procedures. As the governing body of the Dakota County Libraries, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners must adopt a policy that establishes procedures for selection of, challenges to, and reconsideration of library materials in accordance with section 134.51.
The delegation of authority to the Dakota County Library Advisory Committee to maintain and develop the collection of materials and review and make decisions on disputed materials will be subject to this updated Library Materials Policy. To implement the new policy, staff prepared the attached Request for Reconsideration Operating Procedures for Library staff and the Dakota County Library Advisory Committee.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommend the board approval the Materials Policy.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the adoption of the modified county manager form of government by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in 2014, by operation of law, resulted in the dissolution of the Dakota County Library Board that previously oversaw the operations, budget, policies, and other administrative responsibilities of the Dakota County Libraries pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 134; and
WHEREAS, as a result, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners oversees the operations, budget, policies, and other administrative responsibilities of the Dakota County Libraries; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 14-400 (August 12, 2014), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners established the Dakota County Library Advisory Committee with the following powers and duties:
• Maintain and develop the collection of materials available in County libraries (within the County Board-approved budget);
• Review and make decisions on disputed materials;
• Advise the Library Director and the County Board in the development of public programming for library services;
• Develop recommended annual work plans for the Committee;
• Review and make recommendations on long-range plans for the Library;
• Accept gifts of up to $500.00 for public library purposes; and
• Recommend rules governing library operations.
; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Minn. Stat. § 134.51, Access to Library Materials and Rights Protected, during the 2024 legislative session, required several additions to the Library Materials Policy; and
WHEREAS, the changes to the Library Materials Policy include enhancing the definitions section to include the education requirements for selection staff, a more robust selection criteria, and an explanation of the Request for Reconsideration of Material procedures; and
WHEREAS, as the governing body of the Dakota County Libraries, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners must adopt a policy that establishes procedures for selection of, challenges to, and reconsideration of library materials in accordance with section 134.51; and
WHEREAS, the delegation of authority to the Dakota County Library Advisory Committee to maintain and develop the collection of materials and review and make decisions on disputed materials is subject to the updated Library Materials Policy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the Library Materials Policy as presented.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
14-400; 8/12/14
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Library Materials Policy - Draft
Attachment: Presentation Slides
Attachment: Minn. Stat. § 134.51
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Margaret Stone
Author: Margaret Stone