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News and information relevant to public library trustees, sent monthly on the second Tuesday
In this Issue
- November Certifications
- Spotlight on Open Meetings
- New MSL Learning
- Looking Back
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- Brenda Baker, Director, Dorothy Asbjornson Community Library, Winifred
- Nichole Ericksen, Director, Plains Public Library District, Plains
- Desiree Funston, Staff, Missoula Public Library, Missoula
- Kristy McRae, Staff, Lewis and Clark Library, Helena
- Carrie Ruschman, Staff, Billings Public Library, Billings
- Joseph Rutherford, Staff, Medicine Spring Library, Browning
- Jamie Swan, Staff, Billings Public Library, Billings
- Eric Walliman, Staff, Lewis and Clark Library, Helena
Are you close to completing a certification track?
Login to ASPeN to view your certification track, credit balance, and end date.
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Montana has strict laws stating that governmental bodies, including library boards, hold open meetings that protect the public’s right to know and right to participate.
- The public has a right to know what a governing body is discussing.
- The public has a right to participate in discussions before the governing body makes a final decision.
Text of the laws can be found at Montana Code Annotated Title 2, Chapter 3.
How do successful and productive boards do this? They know the law, they establish routines, and use parliamentary procedure to stay on track.
One way to learn is to watch other professional boards to see how they set up for successful adherence to Open Meeting Law. They establish habits that ensure transparency and access to the public. You might observe your county commission or city council as they conduct a public meeting.
Other Boards to Watch
MSL Resources
More Webinar Courses Added
You can enroll in an MSL Learn course to watch the videos, work through discussion questions, and explore resources.
For those tracking credits for MSL Certification, credits are transferred to ASPeN at the end of each month for all course completions--no need to navigate between MSL Learn and ASPeN.
Recent Webinars and New Videos
Upcoming Events
We’re planning a new webinar series focused on Access and Usability that will start on January 13, 2026. Look for more information, dates, and resources in the coming weeks.
 Montana State Library Extension Commission, 1958-01 - Montana Libraries - Volume XI, Number 1 and 2 (1958-01). Montana History Portal, accessed 30/10/2025
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The consulting program is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Montana State Library. |
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