Minimum Standards for Libraries - Internal Library Policies Related to Personnel, Disaster Preparedness, and Financial Controls Online

Strong internal policies help a library live their values out loud, prioritize the safety and well-being of staff and patrons, and ensure the library is a good steward of its resources . At this session we will cover the basics around three key policies areas that impact the day-to-day operations of the library:

• Personnel
• Disaster Preparedness
• Financial Controls

For each, our presenter will cover the major sections that should be addressed in each policy area; identify major intersections with law and best practices, and identify where to find support to develop your library's policies.

Presenter: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MLS, LEED AP, cSBA, is the Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System and Co-Founder & Board President of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. Rebekkah is the author/co-author of several New York State-specific publications including the Handbook for New Public Library Library Directors in New York State, the Handbook for Public Library Trustees in New York State, and the Public Library District Toolkit: Strategies to Assure your Library's Legal and Financial Stability. Nationally, Rebekkah is the principal author of the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries and several titles related to libraries and sustainability for ALA Editions. Rebekkah was awarded the Outstanding Service to Libraries Award by the New York Library Association and was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker.

This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.