1. Considering a Library District?
Ronan City Library
January 19, 2011
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

2. Montana Library Governing Structures
City or County
Interlocal or Multijurisdictional
District
What are the advantages of forming a library district?
Tracy explain the difference between interlocal and multijuridictional
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

3. Montana State Library Training
Advantages - funding
Stable, predictable funding
Library planning process can be more consistent
Don’t have to compete with other city/county agencies for funding
Unspent dollars can be retained for future years – no “use it or lose it”
It has been demonstrated (in other states) that district libraries are better funded.
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

4. Montana State Library Training
Other Advantages
Improved services to patrons through
Autonomy, independence in decision making, greater organizational focus on library services
Elimination of unserved populations
Direct accountability to tax-payers and community
Increased community ownership
Experience of other library districts
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Montana State Library Training

5. Important Considerations
New costs and duties for the library – elections, administrative, insurance, legal, facilities
Elections must be held for
Mill levy
Trustees
The transition year is difficult and requires strong commitments from staff, board and volunteers
How much money will you need?
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

6. Where to Start - Assessment
Define current status of library and do inventory
Form a working group
Assess community attitudes to library services
Create a vision
Make preliminary districting decisions
Estimate costs
Present idea to community
Identify supporters and opponents
Have conversations about library services
Know the library history of the community
Gather all relevant documents
Define your library status
Choose tentative boundaries for your district
Develop cost range – operational and capital costs
Develop community partnerships
Keep a good working relationship with your city/county clerks
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Montana State Library Training

7. Decision Is a library district the right solution?
Are there alternatives?
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Montana State Library Training

8. Moving Forward - Planning
Recruit new group members for districting project
Update the library’s long range plan
Develop timeline and implementation plan to achieve your new district
Campaign, education, publications
Assess your chances of a successful outcome and remember that you’ll stay positive regardless of outcome.
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Montana State Library Training

9. Montana State Library Training
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Montana State Library Training

10. Montana State Library Training
Other Planning Tasks
Create plans for
Library services
Administrative structure
Personnel
Facilities
Public relations for the districting effort
Coordinate government participation
Determine Costs and Levy
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

11. Final Districting Decisions
Establishment & Elections
Draft resolution or petition
Set election date & create election calendar
Plan public relations
Circulate petitions
Public Hearing
Conduct the election
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

12. Outcomes and Alternatives
Analyze Election Campaign and Results
Re-examine alternatives
Celebrate success!
Monitor activities of local officials
Carry out your long range plan
Publicize the changes
Stay positive whatever the outcome
Remember that this process will help you improve services whatever the outcome
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training

13. Montana State Library Training
Resources
Montana Public Library District Handbook:
Montana Public Library Statistics:
North Lake County Public Library District Project:
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Montana State Library Training

14. Montana State Library Training
More Resources
Montana Legislative Snapshot:
American Factfinder:
Montana Geographic Information Clearinghouse:
4/11/2018
Montana State Library Training