(HELENA)--- The 2023 Public Library Standards Task Force will meet on Zoom on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend.  For an agenda, meeting materials, and information about how to join the online meeting, visit:

https://mslservices.mt.gov/ASPeN/Events/Event_Detail.aspx?Event_ID=24864

The Task Force will consider action on:

·         defining which state payments require compliance with public library standards

·         amending 10.102.1158 (1) and 10.102.4003 to include accredited tribal college libraries

·         updating the formula under 10.102.4003 to account for accredited tribal college libraries and to account for the distribution of funds if no tribal college libraries apply

·         amending 10.102.1158 (7) that states that the library’s budget shows year-to-year growth to better reflect the intent of the original public library standards’ task force,

·         amending 10.102.1160 (7) that says that Library directors serving populations over 25,000 must have a Master of Library Science or equivalent degree,

·         amending administrative rule 10.102.1162 to better define what is NOT a hardship and to clarify the process for requesting a deferral.

Members of the public who wish to share written comments with the Task Force must submit the comment no later than two (2) business days before the start of the public meeting. Comments may be submitted here: https://forms.office.com/g/ktVL1KKgJ5

The Montana State Library makes reasonable accommodation for persons with known disabilities that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in the meeting.  Persons needing accommodation must notify the State Library prior to the meeting.  To make your request known, call (406) 444-3384 or the Montana Relay at 711. 

The Montana State Library helps all organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services.  For more information about the Montana State Library, visit http://msl.mt.gov.   For more information about the Task Force meeting, contact Genevieve Lighthiser, Administrative Specialist, at (406) 444-3384 or via e-mail at: glighthiser@mt.gov.