Wisconsin Public Library Policy Resources

Including Links to Wisconsin Public Library Policies on the Web

This page provides resources to help Wisconsin public libraries develop local library policies. Inclusion of links to particular policies does not constitute DLTCL endorsement. Links to sample library policies are provided as a resource to help libraries develop and refine their own policies. The library board of each public library must establish library polices that are legal and that meet the needs of their community. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for additional links. John DeBacher, Public Library Administration Consultant

Policy Development

Development of Essential Policies for Public Libraries

The development of policies is covered in Trustee Essential #10 of the Wisconsin trustee handbook: Trustee Essentials: a Handbook for Wisconsin Public Library Trustees. In addition, Trustee Training Module #2 is the PDF file of a presentation that covers the issues to be considered in developing public library policies.

Sample Public Library Policies

Sample Policies for the Small Public Library. These sample polices were developed by the Small Library Committee of the Wisconsin Association of Public Librarians, 2nd Edition, Revised by David L. Polodna, 1999.
Public Library Policies and Plans Online. A directory of Washington State Public Library policies and planning documents published on WebJunction.
Sample Library Board Bylaws for Wisconsin Public Libraries. These sample board bylaws were developed by DLTCL staff and may be freely adapted for local library use.
Sample Policy on Privacy of Library Records and Use. This sample policy is not intended as a recommended policy, rather it is intended to be a starting point for development of a local library policy—ideally to be developed with the assistance of the municipal attorney (or library counsel). More information is available in "Frequently Asked Questions About Compliance With the Parental Access to Library Records Law".

Links to Wisconsin Public Library Policies on the Web.

Each of the public libraries listed immediately below has posted fairly comprehensive policies on the web. Links are also provided directly to a sampling of specific types of policies.
Please contact John DeBacher if you know of additional library policies you would like listed.

Policies by Library

A - L

Appleton

Fort Atkinson
(bilingual)

Fremont

Janesville

Kenosha

Kimberly -
Little Chute

Madison

M - N

Manawa

Manitowoc

McFarland

Middleton

Milwaukee

Mount Horeb

Muskego

Neenah

New London

O - W

Oshkosh

Racine

Reedsburg

Richland Center

River Falls

Rusk County

Waukesha

Waupaca

West Bend

Policies by Type

ADA Compliance | Behavior | Bulletin Board and Literature | Circulation, Loan | Computer Use | Confidentiality | Disaster Emergencies, Inclement Weather | Exhibits and Displays | Gifts, Donations, Investments | Harassment | Homebound, Outreach | Internet Use | Materials Selection, Collection Development | Meeting Room | Personnel | Reference/Information Services | Public Relations | Social Media | Theft and Mutilation of Materials | Unattended Children | Volunteers |

ADA Compliance

ADA Compliance -Kenosha
Requests for Accommodation & Complaints about Accessibility -Manitowoc