What are the regulations for operating a public library in a municipality?

In Maryland, public libraries are governed by the Library Law of Maryland. This law sets out the requirements for how a public library in a municipality should be operated. The law dictates that each municipality should have a Board of Trustees to manage the library and a Director to coordinate its daily operations. The Trustees are appointed by the mayor or governing body, and the Director is hired by the Board of Trustees. All trustees must be residents of the municipality and have a knowledge of library operations. The Library Law also outlines the duties of the Board of Trustees. They are responsible for setting library policies, appointing library staff, and setting the library’s budget. The Board is also responsible for establishing the library’s mission, material selection and programming. The law dictates that the library must be open to the public during regular business hours, and the library may also have extended hours and weekend hours. The library must also provide free, equitable access to library materials and activities. The Library Law of Maryland states that library staff must provide patrons with fair and equal access to library materials, services, and activities. The library should also provide reasonable access to library computers and other multimedia resources. Finally, the Library Law of Maryland also states that the library must adhere to all relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations. This includes laws relating to copyright, privacy, public records, and Freedom of Information.

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