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At the August 13, 2025 MSL Commission meeting, a process and timeline to update administrative rules was approved. The next step in the process is to conduct public hearings on the proposals. After the public hearings, the Commission will meet in a work session to review all comments received at the hearings or through written comments. Formal adoption of new rules is scheduled for the December 10, 2025 Commission meeting.
Hearing 1: Open Hours
A virtual public hearing will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Concerned persons may present their concerns, views, arguments, or information in support of or against the proposed rules at the hearing. Written concerns, views, arguments, or information in support of or against the proposed rulemaking may also be submitted to Victoria Gersdorf (406)-444-3384 vgersdorf@mt.gov.
Comments must be received by Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
The rule proposed to be amended is as follows, stricken matter interlined, new matter underlined:
10.102.1159 SERVING THE COMMUNITY
(1) The library is open during convenient hours. At a minimum, On average, the library is open at least the following number of hours weekly, as reported by the library in the annual public library survey:
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Service Area Population
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Minimum
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Desirable
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Fewer than 3,500
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15 hours 10.5 hours
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25-40 hours
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3,501-9,999
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30 hours 21 hours
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40-50 hours
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10,000-24,999
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40 hours 28 hours
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50-60 hours
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More than 25,000
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50 hours 35 hours
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60+ hours
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(2) Everyone has safe, comfortable, and convenient access to the library and its services.
(3) Everyone has access to updated and regularly maintained physical and digital library content and services.
(4) Everyone can find library materials online.
(5) Everyone has access to virtual and face-to-face programming.
(6) Everyone has access to information about local community and government activities that assists them with understanding local community issues and allows them to engage civically in the community.
(7) Children and caregivers have access to early literacy programming and materials either through the library or by being directed to another community organization that specializes in early literacy.
(8) Everyone has access to information about library programs and services through internal and external marketing efforts of library staff.
(9) Everyone has access to a library website or social media site.
(10) Everyone can obtain materials and services from another library through interlibrary loan services.
(11) Everyone has access to the Internet via wired and WIFI connections.
(12) Reasonable accommodations are made so that people with disabilities have access to the library's services.
Authorizing statute(s): 22-1-103, MCA
Implementing statute(s): 22-1-103, MCA
Read the complete Montana Administrative Register (MAR) Notice
Hearing 2: Continuing Education
A virtual public hearing will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Concerned persons may present their concerns, views, arguments, or information in support of or against the proposed rules at the hearing. Written concerns, views, arguments, or information in support of or against the proposed rulemaking may submit comments to Victoria Gersdorf (406) 444-3115 vgersdorf@mt.gov
Comments must be received by Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
The rule proposed to be amended is as follows, stricken matter interlined, new matter underlined:
10.102.1160 PERSONNEL
(1) Staff members are offered health insurance according to local policy.
(2) Staff members are offered retirement benefits according to local policy.
(3) The board adopts a sufficient budget for continuing education.
(4) During 90% of open hours, paid staff are available to assist users.
(5) Staff have the tools and training they need to perform their work.
(6) The director is or will be certified by the Montana State Library within the required timeframe mandated by the certification program adopted by the Montana State Library Commission.
(a) The purpose of the certification program is to ensure library directors have the foundational skills necessary to manage a public library that meets standards set forth in ARM Title 10, chapter 102, suchapter 11, Public Library Development.
(b) A course of study and topics offered by the State Library will be reviewed by the commission annually for approval at its final meeting of the state fiscal year.
(c) Continuing education credits issued through the State Library certification program are the only eligible credits that can be applied to certification.
(d) The certification program will be reviewed on a regular schedule with no more than ten years between reviews.
Authorizing statute(s): 22-1-103, MCA
Implementing statute(s): 22-1-103, MCA
Read the complete Montana Administrative Register (MAR) Notice
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