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Patriot Act

6. Appendices, Laws and Legislation, Patriot Act

Congress passed the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) on October 25, 2001 in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  This law greatly expanded federal law surveillance and investigative powers.   Of concern to public libraries are library records, including patron files and electronic communications.

 

The Mississippi Code addresses the confidentiality of library user records in §39-3-365.  MLC contacted the Office of the Attorney General for clarification and the following statement is excerpted from the original:

 

As your paperwork clearly reflects, there is no conflict between Section 39-3-365, and the USA Patriot Act.  Our state provision has in essence been expanded to require the release of the confidential records at issue when the library has been served with a search warrant.  The bottom line, all search warrants and court orders must be honored unless withdrawn by the court.

 

The wisest course of action is for library systems to be prepared to handle such an occurrence.  Proper procedures should be installed to handle this possibility.  These procedures should cover chain of command, notifications, etc.  Library systems must comply with legally issued subpoenas or warrants.   Library personnel should know the difference between the following two legal documents and act accordingly.

 

Warrant – a document directing or authorizing someone to do an act, especially an order for arrest, search or seizure.  A warrant is immediately executed.

 

Subpoena – to order the production of documents or other things.

 

The Office of Government Relations, part of the American Library Association’s Washington Office, is tasked with “a broad range of issues including, but not limited to: appropriations, copyright, library programs, government information, privacy, and telecommunications.” This oversight includes monitoring the USA PATRIOT Act on behalf of libraries across the country and making recommendations to protect privacy and confidentiality of library and patron records regardless of format.  Please see the 2016 Privacy/Surveillance/Cybersecurity Fact Sheet  for more information.

Job Descriptions and Job Listings

4. Personnel, Job Descriptions

A job description is a written narrative of the major duties and responsibilities of a job. The most important part of a job description is the identification of the duties or tasks that are essential to the successful performance of the job.  According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), essential functions are those tasks or functions of a particular position that are fundamental to the position as opposed to those that are marginal.

Elements of a Job Description

1. Employment Information.

  • job title and a short description of the job and its main purpose
  • library system name and geographic location of the job
  • salary range and special benefits
  • hours of work
  • hire date and starting date

2.  Job Functions.

  • list of duties or tasks that are essential to the successful performance of the job
  • “report to”; supervisory responsibility; and any other working relationships
  • any special working conditions (e.g., shift or weekend work, travel, periods when leave cannot be taken, etc.)

3. Requirements – minimum qualifications needed to perform the essential job functions:

  • education
  • experience and work history
  • knowledge, specialized skills, and attributes
  • physical demands, i.e., “must be able to lift 50 pounds”
  • special requirements, i.e., “must have a valid drivers license and be able to drive a vehicle”
Advertising a Job

Statewide Options:

Local Options:

Resources

Lawson, Judy, et al.  The New Information Professional: Your Guide to Careers in the Digital Age.  New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010. (020.23 L425)

Stueart, Robert D. and Maureen Sullivan.  Developing Library Leaders: A How-to-do-it Manual for Coaching, Team Building, and Mentoring Library Staff.  New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010. (020.3 S933)

Guidelines for the Recruitment of a New Director

6. Appendices, Guidelines for the Recruitment of a Public Library System Director

This important function belongs to the administrative board of trustees.  The Mississippi Code §39-3-17 (1) (d) states that the trustees of the administrative board shall:

 

 Employ a library system director, prescribe his/her duties, fix his/her compensation, and remove him/her for cause.



Trustees are encouraged to be thoughtful and hire the best candidate for their library system.  There is much diversity among library directors.  The make-up of the library system itself and staff will dictate the type of individual sought.  Once again, the Mississippi Code provides essential information; § 39-3-17 (2) states:

 

There shall be one (1) library director for each library system. Said library system director shall have such educational qualifications as are prescribed by the Mississippi Library Commission. The library system director shall administer and establish procedures according to policies established by the administrative board of trustees. His or her duties shall include: (a) employment of staff with the approval of the board of trustees; (b) prescription of staff duties; (c) removal of staff for cause; (d) preparation of the budget; (e) financial and statistical management; (f) reporting to board of trustees; and (g) other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient administration of the library system.

 

Qualifications for Directorship:

Trustees are encouraged to hire a director with the professional degree (MLS/MLIS) to avoid the necessity to request an educational waiver from the Board of Commissioners of the Mississippi Library Commission.  The MLS/MLIS degree should be conferred by an American Library Association accredited institution. The American Library Association maintains a list of accredited programs of study (http://www.ala.org/accreditedprograms/directory/search): library directors must request official transcripts be sent directly from the registrar of their university to the Mississippi Library Commission.

 

Job Announcements and Recruitment:

The Library Commission, particularly the library consultants, will assist trustees in this process.  Commission staff will review job announcements and offer suggestions if requested.  Library consultants can help find examples of job announcements to use as a starting point.  Consultants will identify placement options for the announcement including MLC’s website, library schools, and library publications. There are no cost/low cost options available for announcement placement.

Expensive options can be used as needed to broaden the search if the response is insufficient.  Some library systems may even hire outside consultants to lead the search for them.  This is permissible, but not required.  Most library systems have had successful searches without hiring an outside firm.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

6. Appendices, CIPA, Technology

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires two things: 1) an Internet Safety Policy; and 2) the use of filtering software on Internet access.

 

 I.  Internet Safety Policy

You must have an Internet safety policy that covers everything, including new rules passed over the years. You can use the template on our website at http://mlc.lib.ms.us/technology-services/e-rate/ (under Links for Additional Information on E-Rate/Universal Services).

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If you have not already adopted an Internet safety policy, you must hold a public hearing during your next board meeting to discuss said policy.  There is not a requirement that members of the public have to actually show up or even speak. Properly advertise when your open meeting will be, and keep a copy of your proof of notice (photocopy of newspaper/printout of newspaper’s website). If you do not have records of having held such a meeting in the past,  you must hold a meeting following the guidelines set forth below.

The notice for this meeting goes beyond the normal public notice you have to do for your usual board meetings.  If you’re making your public hearing a part of your regularly scheduled board meeting, just an additional line is sufficient, like this:

“The regular meeting of the ______ Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2015, 11:00 a.m., in the 1st floor main meeting room. The meeting will include a public hearing to discuss proposed technology protection measures and the internet safety policy.”

Be sure to actually discuss the Internet safety policy during your advertised board meeting and make sure it is recorded in the minutes appropriately.   The actual formal discussion of the Internet Safety Policy and its adoption should appear on the board’s agenda.  Ensure that a formal motion and vote of acceptance are recorded accurately in your minutes.  Do not forget to approve these minutes at the subsequent board meeting.

Finally, save all of your documentation which includes:

  • your policy
  • the proof of notice
  • your board minutes discussing and approving the policy

Please share this documentation with Vivian Sanderford by emailing her at vivian@mlc.lib.ms.us.

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II. Filtering Software

The second part of CIPA requires “specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access” to visual depictions of:

  • Child pornography
  • Obscenity
  • Materials harmful to minors (does not include violence or hate speech)

Filtering must be applied to all Internet accessible computers in the library.  If your library receives Internet access from AT&T and the statewide contract, then this service is already provided to your library.

Collection Management

5. Library Services, Collection Management

Collection management is a process of information gathering, communication, coordination, policy formation, evaluation, and planning.  These processes, in turn, influence decisions about the acquisition and retention of materials and the access to information sources that support the needs of a given community.  The public library system collects materials based on its mission and goals and the communities it serves.  The types of materials can vary greatly depending on the library system’s defined roles.

 

Policy

A collection management policy is not just a selection policy.  It also incorporates procedures and policies for adding/removing materials, describes collection and relevance to communities served, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and establishes collection goals.  The term “collection development” has been integrated into the process of collection management.

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Every library system should have a collection management policy that:

  • documents how collection was built and describes future expansion
  • focuses on communities’ interests
  • serves as consistent guide for selection
  • defines the scope of collection and limitations
  • establishes role of intellectual freedom in collection
  • outlines procedures for dealing with challenges

The policy should be a collaborative effort of the director, staff, the board, and the communities. The length of the policy varies depending on the size and the complexity of the communities served. A collection management policy is not static and should be reviewed annually and adjusted to reflect changes in the communities, the library system’s mission and goals, and the collection itself. A collection management policy may include:

  • Introduction
  • Mission Statement
  • Purpose of the policy
  • Environmental Description
  • Community and user groups defined (Community Assessment)
  • Patron needs and services/programs (Needs Assessment)
  • Funding considerations
  • General Statement Describing the Collection Goals
  • Subject areas (Dewey Classes) collected
  • Formats
  • Multiple copies
  • Languages
  • Special collections
  • Professional Considerations
  • Cooperative collection management and Interlibrary Loan
  • Collection responsibilities and selection procedures
  • Gifts Policy
  • Complaints (reconsideration) and censorship

To be effective in collection management, the director and staff need to consider these issues:

  • Organization and mission of the library system
  • Needs of the communities served
  • Utilization of collection by its customers
  • Formats of materials in collection
  • How the materials budget is allocated, spent, and monitored
  • Involvement of staff in the selection process – branch and/or headquarters
  • Selection of vendors
  • Process of purchasing
  • Types of donated materials accepted
  • Plan for marketing and usage of collection

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Selection Process

The selection process component of collection management is essential in building and maintaining a good collection.  Having procedures in place can stretch funds by reducing impulse buying. There are some practical selection activities:

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  • Track trends and events in publishing by reading reviews and consulting trade reviews and national bibliographies.
  • Know the demographics of the communities served.
  • Keep current on local and world events and popular culture trends through utilizing various print and non-print media resources.
  • Talk to patrons about what they would like to see in their communities.
  • Keep track of series titles.

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Selection Criteria in General

Selection is likely based on knowledge of community reading interests combined with review sources.  Service desk personnel with direct contact with the public can provide a wealth of information.  A process should be established to also encourage customer input.  General selection criteria should include:

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  • Subject matter
  • Construction quality
  • Potential use
  • Relationship to the collection
  • Bibliographic Considerations
  • Cost

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Selection Tools

Selection tools are critical in making decisions.  However, such tools are limiting in that only a fraction of the available resources on a topic are reviewed. Included in this category are book and media reviews, “best of” lists, subject lists and Internet resources of standard bibliographic sources.

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Internet:
  • Publisher’s Weekly Email Newsletters – http://publishersweekly.com/pw/email-subscriptions/index.html
    • Readers can choose from newsletters about children’s publishing, religious publishing, new book deals, upcoming releases, or a special newsletter specifically for librarians. Good way to keep apprised of the publishing world.

Printed Book and Media Reviews – Reviews provide descriptive and evaluative information used in place of physically examining the item.  A review also makes comparisons to similar works.   However, it is important to understand the goal of the review (is it to promote, announce, describe, or evaluate a new book or new media item?); the source of the book or media review (is it in a reputable reviewing source that is impartial?); and the authority of the reviewer. Reviews have limitations and should not be used as the sole selection aid. One limitation is the length of time it takes for reviews to be published.  Another is the small fraction of new book and media items that are actually reviewed. Many publications are reviewed in only one source with titles from small presses oftentimes not being reviewed at all.  Examples of print resources for book and media reviews include:  School Library Journal, Booklist, Book Links, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, and Library Journal.

  • “Best of” and Recommended Title Lists—These “best of” and recommended title lists can be used as collection checklists.  If a library system is limited in reviewing sources, using annual compilations of award-winning books and media can expand the scope of the collection by adding titles previously missed. Many divisions of the American Library Association curate annual lists, such as ALSC and YALSA.
  • Subject Lists—For almost every subject area, there are lists that include works considered vital to that subject area.  Annotated lists of books and media titles in particular subjects sometimes appear in the regular reviewing sources such as the Collection Development lists in Library Journal.  In using these subject lists, it is important to keep in mind that these lists were not compiled with the community needs or collection goals of a specific library in mind.
  • Online Bookstores—Online bookstores that enable libraries to search and purchase print books over the Internet can provide a selector with a quick and easy way to find publication information for a wide range of books. These sites also provide a convenient method for purchasing books that are needed very quickly. Since these sites are not curated by or for librarians, they should only be used as an information source, not a recommendation tool.

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Collection Assessment

Collection assessment involves both the library’s collection and its use. The aim is to determine how well the collection supports the goals, needs, and mission of the library.  Collection analysis methods can include the following:

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  • Quantitative
  • Collection-based
  • Collection/growth
  • Materials budget size/growth
    • Collection size standards and formulas
  • Use or user-based
  • Interlibrary loan statistics
  • Circulation statistics
  • In-house use statistics
  • Document delivery statistics
  • Shelf availability statistics
  • Qualitative
  • Collection-based
  • List checking
  • Verification studies
  • Citation analysis
  • Direct collection checking
  • Collection mapping (assigning conspectus levels)
  • Brief tests of collection strength
  • Use or user-based
  • User opinion surveys
  • User observation
  • Focus groups

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Collection Maintenance (Weeding)

Discarding or withdrawal of items from a library’s collection can be difficult for many reasons, but it is an essential feature of a collection management program.  Librarians are often hesitant to “weed,” “deselect,” “withdraw,” or “remove” from the collection dated and/or non-circulating materials.  Reasons often given include:

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  • Weeding is a time-consuming process
  • Staff resistance
  • Negative reaction by the community and/or library board
  • Reluctance to admit possible selection mistakes
  • Cost to update collection resources
  • Fear that one might weed something of value or something with needed information
  • “Anything is better than nothing” philosophy – Don’t let the public leave without something, even if dated

One of the most intrinsic benefits to “weeding” a library’s collection lies in the documented fact that circulation will increase because browsing or finding materials is easier when shelves are less cluttered.  Further, as circulation increases, shelving times and other collection maintenance activities are also easier; this may also increase user satisfaction.

Weeding a library’s collection is a continuous process that includes not only books, but all types of materials.  To be effective in weeding, the library system needs to have an organized plan (policy) with specific priorities and assignments.  There are many different lists with suggested retention time spans, usually by Dewey classification numbers, that can assist in developing this plan.  Most libraries do not weed the entire collection in a year, but based upon collection priorities, withdraw and update with new purchases in specific sections so that over a three to five-year period the entire collection is reviewed.

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Deselection (“Weeding”) Methods

The CREW (Continuous Review Evaluation and Weeding) method for weeding both book and media materials is used by many libraries.  It is an effective process.  Central to its concept is the acronym – “MUSTIE” which means:

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  • Misleading and/or factually inaccurate;
  • Ugly (worn out beyond mending or rebinding);
  • Superseded by a new edition or better source;
  • Trivial (of no discernable literary or scientific merit to the collection);
  • Irrelevant to the needs and interests of your community; and
  • Elsewhere (the materials are obtained from another source through interlibrary loan, if needed).

In an effective “weeding” process, the library system combines the “MUSTIE” concepts with additional factors:

  • Date/Author
  • Currency
  • Publisher
  • Physical condition
  • Availability of additional copies
  • Shelf-time (non-circulation)
  • Replacement expense
  • Relevance to the community
  • Similar resources available in the collection

As a collection is weeded, the library system is faced with the problem of disposing of the withdrawn materials.  In Mississippi, the administrative board of trustees has the responsibility for disposing of equipment and property according to the Mississippi Code 1972 Annotated §39-3-19 (j).  Public library systems should have a standard operating procedure regarding the disposal of broken, non-used equipment and withdrawn materials.  Disposal actions need to be documented in the board’s minutes.  Administrative boards can sell, donate (usually to the Friends of the Library), trade, recycle or destroy all withdrawn materials and equipment.

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Special Collections

In a public library, a “special collection” is often what is considered “special” by that particular community.  Many Mississippi public libraries have some type of basic genealogy and/or local history collection that is considered a “special” collection.  There are a variety of other special collections, including an archaeology collection and numerous photographic collections.

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Prior to accepting a “gift” for a special collection, the library system director should discuss the possible donation(s) with the benefactor in light of the library system’s policy.  At that time, any conditions of the gift should be identified before a decision about accepting the items is made.  When a decision is made, a deed of ownership should be prepared by the library system’s attorney acknowledging the gift and signed by the donor and the library director.  Once items have been donated to a library, these materials become the property of the library system, and are governed by the policies adopted by the administrative library board.

If the library system has difficulties funding a basic collection, perhaps adding a special collection, even one that has been donated, may not be in the library’s best interest.  Maintaining special collections will require additional funding for materials, staff and promotional efforts.

In starting a special collection, there should be a clear, written policy outlining the parameters to the collection.  Such a policy will reduce local public relations problems and misunderstandings. The policy should detail usage guidelines, especially if the requirements are different from those for the regular collection.  Most special collection materials are non-circulating and usage may be restricted to a particular section of the library.  Access issues are also specified in many policies, in part, due to the fragile condition or uniqueness of the materials, such as old photographs, newspapers, or scrapbooks.  Often, staff may be required to provide services not usually necessary with other collections.

Other issues to consider in written policy for special collections are:

  • Is the special collection in a closed stack area?  Or is the area maintained by a staff member who can assist the patron at all times?  Will staff be available to assist with operation of equipment, such as a microfilm machine?
  • Will the library involve volunteers with the special collection?  What will be the duties of the volunteers?  Will there be a recruitment, training, evaluation process and recognition program?
  • Are hours different from other areas of the collection?  Are materials located in the general library catalog?  What online sources are available for use for this particular collection?
  • Who will be allowed to photocopy?  Copyright Issues?  What are the costs involved with photocopying?
  • Are personal materials (i.e., notebooks, pens, laptops, digital cameras, scanners) allowed in the special collection?  If not, are there lockers provided for storage of such items?

Implementing or maintaining a “special collection” can be a wonderful service for the community, but it can have drawbacks.  With a well-organized service program, many of these issues can be addressed to the satisfaction of the community, director and staff, and the library board.

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Resources

American Library Association. “Collection Development.” ALA.org. ALA, 19 April 2016. <http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/Collection%20Development/collectiondevelopment>

 

Baker, Sharon L. and Karen L. Wallace.  The Responsive Public Library: How to Develop and Market a Winning Collection.  2nd edition.  Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited, 2002. (027.473 B168 2002)

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Boon, Belinda.  The CREW Method: Expanded Guidelines for Collection Evaluation and Weeding for Small and Medium-Sized Public Libraries.  Austin, Texas: Texas State Library, 1995. (025.216 B724 1995)

 

Evans, G. Edward.  Developing Library and Information Center Collections.  5th edition.  Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.  (025.21 E92 2005)

 

“Local History and Genealogy.”  Your Library.  Services.  Reference.  DeKalb County Public Library.  December 2003.  29 June 2004. < http://dekalblibrary.org/services/library-collections/local-history-genealogy >

 

Johnson, Peggy.  Fundamentals of Collection Development & Management. 3rd edition. Chicago: American Library Association, 2014.  (025.21 J68 2014)

 

Kovacs, Diane K. And Kara L. Robinson.  The Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development: Essential Core Subject Collections, Selection Criteria, and Guidelines. 2nd edition. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2009.  (025.284. K88 2009)

 

Mississippi Library Association.  Intellectual Freedom Committee.  Resource Manual.  Revised edition.  Jackson, Mississippi: Mississippi Library Association, 1997.

 

Slote, Stanley J.  Weeding Library Collections: Library Weeding Methods.  4th edition.  Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited, 1997.  (025.216. S634 1997)

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Affordable Care Act

Affordable Care Act, Laws and Legislation
I. Affordable Care Act legislation and patron assistance

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, into law. This requires U.S. citizens and legal residents to have qualifying health coverage. Mississippi public libraries may participate in MLC’s Health/Life Insurance Grant program if they meet the eligibility requirements.

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Eligible Mississippi public library employees that work full time (20 hours plus), have health insurance through the State of Mississippi. This plan is considered qualifying coverage according to ACA standards. Those employees working less than 20 hours will need to obtain qualifying health insurance independently, either through the Health Insurance Marketplace for Mississippi or a spouse/partner’s health insurance plan.

When handling library patron questions regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), treat them similarly to those you receive about filing taxes. We advise that you do not input personal data for patrons or provide advice on health plans when they are filing. UMMC has Certified Insurance Exchange Navigators who are able to help any citizen in Mississippi who is interested in obtaining insurance through the Exchange. Patrons will need an email address to file for insurance online through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

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II. Library System Tax Forms

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has sent library systems notice regarding PPACA Report 6055.  This form will assist your system in filing the appropriate forms (1095C and 1094C) with the IRS concerning the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  MLC advises all library systems and independent public libraries, as political subdivisions in the State of Mississippi, to complete IRS forms 1095C and 1094C.

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Form 1094c is for “Applicable Large Employers,” which is defined as an employer that has at least 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, on average during the prior year. While many library systems employ fewer than 50 full-time employees, your employees will need the information from the form to file their individual returns with the IRS. Filling out the form will ensure that both you and your employees have all the information needed for completion of tax returns.

The library system should take the information provided by BCBS and transfer each employee’s information to Form 1095C.  Two copies of Form 1095C must be created, one for the employee and one for the IRS.  The employee must receive their copy by January 31, 2016.  The IRS must receive its copy of Form 1095C for every employee and one Form 1094C for the entire library system by February 28, 2016. Additionally, the cost of employer health coverage will be reflected on the employee’s W-2 for 2015.

Questions about IRS forms should be directed to the IRS.  Likewise, questions about the BCBS form should go directly to the Membership Division of Blue Cross.

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Resources

University of Mississippi Medical Center: https://www.ummchealth.com/healthplan/

Health Insurance Marketplace: http://www.healthcare.gov

Mississippi State Department of Health: http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/44,0,236,628.html

Introduction

1. Introduction

This guide is intended to serve as a resource for Mississippi public library system directors.  It is a starting point for discussion among the library directors, administrative library board of trustees, library staff, and the community.   Care has been exercised with the content and it is hoped that the major issues and concerns facing public libraries have been acknowledged and addressed.

The information contained herein is designed as a starting point or orientation for the novice library director and as a checklist for the experienced director. The guide refers to specific policies, plans and procedures that should be of interest to public library systems.

As a living document, the Library Development team will be adding and revising subjects as needed. If there is a subject you don’t see here that you feel would be of benefit, please contact Joy Garretson at 601-432-4498 or jgarreston@mlc.lib.ms.us.

Website Accessibility Guidelines: Complying with ADA (American Disabilities Act)

ADA Websites, Technology

“The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.” – ADA.gov

Public entities that choose to provide services through web-based applications (e.g., renewing library books) or that provide information through the Internet must ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to such services or information.

Below are several website standards to ensure compliance with the American Disabilities Act.

  • Provide alternative text for images on websites. Because screen readers only read text, they cannot interpret photographs, charts, color-coded information, or other graphic elements on a webpage.

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  • Font sizes on the Web should never be less than 12 pixels and should always consist of easily readable fonts.
  • Videos need to incorporate features that make them accessible to everyone. Provide audio descriptions of images (including changes in setting, gestures, and other details) to make videos accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. Provide text captions synchronized with the video images to make videos and audio tracks accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Avoid using blinking, flashing, or other distracting features; if they must be included, ensure that moving, blinking, or auto-updating objects or pages may be paused or stopped.
  • Include a “skip navigation” link at the top of webpages that allows people who use screen readers to ignore navigation links and skip directly to webpage content; or provide correct headings in order for screen readers to read from topic to topic, rather than the whole page. Most website templates and content management systems automatically come with heading capabilities.
  • Include visual notification and transcripts if sounds automatically play.
  • Many people are color-blind, especially in the areas of blue, green, and red. Do not use color to convey meaning. For example, a website warning in red should properly read, “Warning: The library will be closed due to inclement weather” rather than “The library will be closed due to inclement weather”.
  • Make certain that you have a good contrast on your website. Contrast is the difference in color or density between the background and foreground. Black on white is an example of good contrast, while purple on dark blue is an example of poor contrast.
  • Bulleted and numbered lists are a good way to present list content and set points apart.
  • Have only a few font types on your website.

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A Brief History of Mississippi Libraries

2. Brief History of Mississippi Libraries, 3. Administration, Governance, & Structure

As with many states, the first libraries in Mississippi were those of the private citizens.  These were in no way considered “public.”  In 1818 (when Mississippi was a new state) the Mississippi Literary and Library Company of Gibson-Port was chartered as a subscription library.  This was the first organization in Mississippi to be called a “library.”  Located in Yazoo City, the Manchester Library Association, chartered in 1840, offered a circulating collection to members.  Between 1900 and 1919 citizen groups formed public libraries in Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, Columbia, Greenville, Port Gibson, and Laurel.

Development of Public Libraries in Mississippi

In 1926, 83 percent of the state was still without free library service.  By 1970, all 82 counties in Mississippi were supporting, to some degree, free county-wide library service.  The following are significant steps in the development of public libraries in Mississippi:

  •  Carnegie Libraries (1908 -1916) Mississippi, like many other states, benefited from the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.  The Carnegie Foundation gave more than $185,500 to establish libraries in Mississippi.  Eleven public library buildings were erected in ten communities across the state in eight years. Libraries were built in Houston, Mound Bayou (which never functioned as a library), Meridian, (a main branch and a Negro branch were created), Greenwood, Clarksdale, Jackson, West Point, Okolona, Vicksburg, and Gulfport.  Today only Clarksdale, Houston and Okolona utilize the Carnegie buildings as libraries.
  • Federation of Women’s Clubs (1925 -1975) Without the support and steadfast resolve of the women in the various women’s clubs in Mississippi, public libraries would have taken a back row seat to many other community projects.  However, in 1925, the state federation of women’s clubs determined to ask for library service in every county in the state.  In 1926 the Mississippi Library Commission was established and adopted the same goal as the women’s clubs.  It would take more than 50 years to accomplish this goal.
  •  Emergency Relief Act (ERA) (1933) Although Mississippi and the country suffered through the Great Depression, several good things resulted.  One was the ERA funds that helped to establish libraries in Liberty, Pike County, and Walthall County.
  •   Works Progress Library Project (WPA) (1934 -1935)  In 1934, the WPA Library Project also helped provide jobs for the unemployed and also established library service for the first time in six areas:  Bay St. Louis, New Albany, Noxubee County, Pontotoc, Sunflower County, and Winston County.  Funds from this project reinvigorated the public libraries already established in Attala County, Bolivar County, Greenville, Holmes County, Leake County, Marshall County, Natchez, Port Gibson, and Yazoo City. In 1935, with the additional aid of WPA and community groups, libraries were established in DeSoto County, Long Beach, Osyka, Aberdeen, Batesville, Lee County, Meridian, Montgomery County, and Oktibbeha County.
  • World War II (1939-1945) Until the outbreak of World War II, the development of libraries in Mississippi was well underway.  During the war, some were forced to close; others had little development; and no new libraries were established.
  • State Aid (1948-present) Public libraries continued to struggle with funding from local sources.  In 1950 the Legislature passed a law allowing the counties to levy a one mill tax for library support.  With the passage of $45,000 for “state aid for libraries” in 1948, legislators recognized the need for assistance from the state level.  In 1969 the Legislature adopted a unique state aid program – the Personnel Incentive Grant Program.  The purpose was to upgrade public library personnel and bring salaries in line with salaries in other Southern states.  In 1988 the program became a block grant distributed per county/per capita basis to accredited public library systems.  In 2004 more than $5.2 million in the Personnel Incentive Grant Program and an additional $3 million for health and life insurance for public library employees was distributed to qualified public library systems.
  • Multi-County Library Systems (1950-present) The establishment of the original multi-county library system in the state occurred with the formation of First Regional Library in 1950.  By 1973 there were 16 multi-county public library systems in the state and by 1998 there were 18.
  • Federal Aid (1956-present) Libraries in Mississippi also benefited from the Library Services Act, passed by Congress in 1956, which has evolved over the years.  By 2004, the Library Services and Technology Act grant program generated more than $1.6 million in direct and indirect benefits.
  •  Gates Library Foundation (1998-present) In 1998, all public libraries were offered computers and software under a statewide grant according to the needs of the local public service area.  Gates returned a couple of years later with a training grant that was used to develop an intensive, multi-tiered program designed to offer appropriate, convenient, no-cost technology training for public library personnel.
  • MAGNOLIA  (1997-present) In 1997 the Mississippi Legislature funded Mississippi Alliance for Gaining New Opportunities Through Library Information Access (MAGNOLIA), a statewide online database consortium for all publically funded libraries, schools, universities, colleges, and state agencies. MAGNOLIA was the first consortium of its kind to provide online database access to an entire state and remains supported by the Legislature.

Administration, Governance, & Structure

3. Administration, Governance, & Structure

In the state of Mississippi, public library systems are established, maintained, and governed according to provisions of the Mississippi Code of 1972. Title 39, Chapter 3 defines a public library as one that provides customary library services free of charge to all the residents of a county, city, or region and that is supported in whole or in part by public funds.

The content in this section of the Directors Guide of Mississippi Public Library Systems applies to the fifty public library systems recognized a legal entities eligible for receiving state aid in the form of the Personnel Incentive Grant Program from the Mississippi Library Commission. Two independent municipal public libraries located in Long Beach and Water Valley are structured, governed, and administrated in a different manner than described here.

Topics

  • Mississippi Library Law {hyperlink to each section from the subtitle}: Introduction to the legal establishment and operation of public libraries in Mississippi.
  • Administrative Board of Trustees: Outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Administrative Board of Trustees in the operation of the library system.
  • Directors: Outlines the roles and responsibilities of the public library system Director in the administration of the library system.
  • Ethics: Discussion of the professional code of ethics of librarianship.