2024 Iowa Library Association Fall Conference

Intersections looks at 3 major areas where city governments and city libraries must meet in the middle of policy and practice when dealing with library buildings, budgets, and personnel.
The presenters will begin with a discussion of the library’s physical facility: library buildings are city property, covered under the city’s contents and liability insurance. Why then are so many library boards told that they are responsible for building maintenance and even capital improvements? The presenters will also touch on service hours and keys to the library.
(a) Through lecture and small group discussion, library staff and trustees will understand the need for compromise when representing the city library as a department within city government (b) Participants will be able to identify at least 3 areas of Iowa law that authorize cities to intervene in matters of library policy and practice (c) Participants will share their own experiences in maneuvering through these “intersections” in their own city-library environment