Flathead County Library Policy Manual
General Policy Statement
The Flathead County Library System Board of Trustees has approved the name ImagineIF Libraries for the Library System. Library policies will be updated to reflect this change as policies come due for renewal.
The Flathead County Library System Board of Trustees has approved the name ImagineIF Libraries for the Library System. Library policies will be updated to reflect this change as policies come due for renewal. ImagineIF Libraries remain a department of Flathead…
Board Powers and Duties
The powers and duties of Library Boards of Trustees are set forth in Montana Code Annotated 22-1-309.
The powers and duties of Library Boards of Trustees are set forth in Montana Code Annotated 22-1-309. 22-1-309. Trustees — powers and duties. The library board of trustees shall have exclusive control of the expenditure of the public library fund,…
Fair Treatment
The Library Board of Trustees affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their successes. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded solely because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
The Library Board of Trustees affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their successes. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of…
Confidentiality of Library Records
Flathead County Library’s Confidentiality Policy balances patrons’ privacy rights with operational needs, legal obligations, and community safety.
Flathead County Library’s Confidentiality Policy balances patrons’ privacy rights with operational needs, legal obligations, and community safety. Through minimal data retention, secure access protocols, compliance with Montana law, and responsible third-party partnerships, the library protects patrons' freedom to explore information…
Protection of Copyright
The Flathead County Library will enforce the US copyright law (Title 17 of the United States Code) and other federal legislation related to the duplication, retention, and use of copyrighted materials.
The Flathead County Library will enforce the US copyright law (Title 17 of the United States Code) and other federal legislation related to the duplication, retention, and use of copyrighted materials. A notice of copyright must be prominently displayed on…
Donations
The Library Board of Trustees welcomes gifts, grants, donations, devises, or bequests of property, real or personal and is authorized by law to accept gifts, grants, donations, devises, or bequests of property, real or personal, from whatever source and to expend or hold, work, and improve the same for the specific purpose of the gift, grant, donation, devise, or bequest.
In accordance with MCA 22-2-309, “The library board of trustees of every public library shall have the power to accept gifts, grants, donations, devises, or bequests of property, real or personal, from whatever source and to expend or hold, work,…
Naming Opportunities and Donor Recognition
This policy describes naming rights for and donor recognition of major donations given for the benefit of the Flathead County Library.
This policy describes naming rights for and donor recognition of major donations given for the benefit of the Flathead County Library. Naming rights carry no power of direction or implied direction to the Flathead County Library on matters of personnel…
Library Service
The Library Board of Trustees shall provide for library service to the residents of Flathead County through ImagineIF Libraries and other service outlets as the Board chooses to establish or support.
The Library Board of Trustees shall provide for library service to the residents of Flathead County through ImagineIF Libraries and other service outlets as the Board chooses to establish or support. Requests for new ImagineIF locations may be considered by…
Hours of Service and Locations
In accordance with the Montana State Library Public Library Standards, Flathead County Library will be open a minimum of 50 hours per week.
In accordance with the Montana State Library Public Library Standards, Flathead County Library will be open a minimum of 50 hours per week. SETTING AND ADJUSTING OF HOURS Library hours are determined by the Library Board of Trustees and may…
Library Accessibility
The Library strives to provide equal access to all library facilities, activities, and programs in adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The Library strives to provide equal access to all library facilities, activities, and programs in adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Flathead County Library does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access…
Technology Use
Flathead County Library provides technology resources to encourage exploration, connection, and collaboration.
1. Purpose of Technologies Resources Flathead County Library provides technology resources to encourage exploration, connection, and collaboration. These resources include: Wi-Fi Computers and Internet Access Printing and Scanning Services All users are expected to adhere to Flathead County Library’s Patron…
Contracted Services
The Library Board of Trustees may choose to provide contracted services to other legal entities on request.
The Library Board of Trustees may choose to provide contracted services to other legal entities on request as per 22-1-309 MCA. Details of contracted services will be defined in a written agreement to be approved by the Library Board of…
Use of Recording Devices on Library Premises
In alignment with the library’s mission and strategic plan, Flathead County Library recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and service-oriented environment.
In alignment with the library’s mission and strategic plan, Flathead County Library recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and service-oriented environment. The use of recording devices, including photography, videography, and audio recording is permitted on Library premises only…
Safety of Children
Flathead County Library offers welcoming spaces that encourage children to explore, create and connect. Library staff strive to provide a safe environment for all customers, but safety cannot be guaranteed. While Flathead County Library staff is committed to helping children with activities and materials at the libraries, library staff do not act as child care providers or disciplinarians. Children are expected to adhere to the same rules of conduct as adults. Please refer to the Customer Conduct Policy in the Flathead County Library Policy Manual.
Flathead County Library offers welcoming spaces that encourage children to explore, create and connect. Library staff strive to provide a safe environment for all customers, but safety cannot be guaranteed. While Flathead County Library staff is committed to helping children…
Media Communication Policy
Borrowing Privileges
Flathead County Library will extend borrowing privileges to all residents of the State of Montana as well as to those persons who are temporarily residing in Flathead County. In order to borrow materials, persons must be in possession of a Flathead County library card or a library card from a participating Partner Resource Sharing Group library.
Flathead County Library will extend borrowing privileges to all residents of the State of Montana as well as to those persons who are temporarily residing in Flathead County. In order to borrow materials, persons must be in possession of a…
Circulation of Materials to Organizations
The Library Board of Trustees is committed to providing service to as many as possible of those patrons who are unable to come to the library. Such patrons may include, but are not limited to, those in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement homes and preschool and daycare facilities.
The Library Board of Trustees is committed to providing service to as many as possible of those customers who are unable to come to the library. Such customers may include, but are not limited to, those in assisted living facilities,…
Special Reference and Research Services
ImagineIF Libraries are committed to providing access to materials that satisfy customer interests and enable lifelong learning. Library staff are available to assist with self-directed research and help customers locate and use relevant research materials and library equipment.
ImagineIF Libraries are committed to providing access to materials that satisfy customer interests and enable lifelong learning. Library staff are available to assist with self-directed research and help customers locate and use relevant research materials and library equipment. Library staff…
Meeting Room Use
This policy describes the intended purposes of the Flathead County Library meeting rooms, how and when they can be used by the public and what rules must be observed when using meeting spaces.
This policy describes the intended purposes of the Flathead County Library meeting rooms, how and when they can be used by the public and what rules must be observed when using meeting spaces. When not in use by the library…
Art Exhibit and Display
The Flathead County Library System welcomes the opportunity for selected artists and groups to exhibit artwork for public viewing in our exhibit spaces. FCLS provides space for artists of diverse media and styles to display their work to the community.
Flathead County Library welcomes the opportunity for selected artists and groups to exhibit artwork for public viewing in our exhibit spaces. Flathead County Library provide space for artists of diverse media and styles to display their work to the community.…
Art Exhibit and Display Application and Waiver
Apply to be an exhibited artist.
Artists are invited to apply for an exhibit date by sending an application via email to laxelsen@flatheadcountylibrary.org, or dropping one off at: Flathead County Library 247 First Ave. E. Kalispell, MT 59901 ATTN: Lune Axelsen. Download Application » View Current…
Bulletin Board Posting
The Flathead County Library System provides bulletin boards in some of its libraries for announcements promoting events and services of interest to the community.
Flathead County Library provides bulletin boards in some of its libraries for announcements promoting events and activities of interest to the community. The use of the bulletin board is available to all groups. Flathead County Library does not endorse the…
Collection Development
Flathead County Library’s collection is developed based upon community interests and needs, the composition and use of the existing collection, and input from customers, staff, and the Library Board of Trustees.
The purpose of the Collection Development and Management Policy is: To document collection management procedures; To guide staff in the selection, retention, and withdrawal of library materials; To inform the public of the philosophy of collection development and the policies…
Library Programs
Flathead County Library supports its strategic goals by developing and presenting programs that provide additional opportunities for education, connection and 21st century skills building.
Flathead County Library supports its strategic goals by developing and presenting programs that provide additional opportunities for education, connection and 21st century skills building. Programs are an integral component of library service and serve to: Expand the Library's role as…
Hiring of Director and Staff
Flathead County Library is a department of Flathead County. The Flathead County Policy and Procedures Manual applies to all personnel of the Flathead County Library and governs all matters related to staff, except where otherwise specified in MCA.
Flathead County Library is a department of Flathead County. The Flathead County Policy and Procedures Manual applies to all personnel of the Flathead County Library and governs all matters related to staff, except where otherwise specified in MCA. In accordance…
Continuing Education for Library Staff Members
The Flathead County Library System Board of Trustees believes that continuing education of staff members is vital to the provision of quality library service.
The Library Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of continuing education for staff and trustees as essential to delivering high-quality library services. Eligibility All staff members are expected to engage in continuing education. They are encouraged to participate in conferences,…
Volunteer
ImagineIF Libraries welcomes volunteers who supplement and enhance services to the public through effective use of their talents and expertise.
Flathead County Library welcome volunteers who supplement and enhance services to the public through effective use of their talents and expertise. The volunteer program is organized by the Volunteer Coordinator under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Flathead…