Rethinking Policies with Access in Mind
When considering whether to implement or change a policy, rule or guideline, consider the following:
▪ Is this a legal expectation required as a public non-profit organization and/or by city, county, state and/or federal statute?
▪ Will this attract and retain children, individuals, families, volunteers, and partners who reflect a broad interpretation of diversity?
▪ Will this reflect best practices and principles in the field of library science?
▪ Will this enhance the quality of the library learning environment?
▪ Will this ensure an equitable and uniform opportunity for participation in learning experiences?
▪ Will this promote and expect efficient and effective use of fiscal and human resource.
Adapted by Julie Keown-Bomar, University of Wisconsin Extension Original Source.
Artificial Intelligence
Behavior
Note: All example policies have suspension and appeals procedures
Self-Audit (From Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Bulletin Board / Display
- Appleton Public Library
- Germantown Community Library
- Hedberg Public Library (Janesville)
- Pewaukee Public Library
Resources (via WISELearn)
Self-Audit (from Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Circulation
Holds Authorization Forms
- Amery Area Public Library
- Geraldine E. Anderson Village Library (Dresser)
- Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library – Individual & Family (New Richmond)
Collection Development
- Dresser Public Library
- Hennepin County Library
- IFLS Library System Sample Policy (updated 03/2026)
- Irving Public Library (Texas)
- La Crosse Public Library
Collection Development Self-Audit (from Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Request for Reconsideration Self-Audit (from Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Computer / Internet Usage
- Appleton Public Library (Unfiltered)
- Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library (New Richmond; Unfiltered)
- Eau Claire Public Library (Filtered)
- Geraldine E. Anderson Village Library (Dresser; Unfiltered)
Self-Audit (from Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Emergency Closing
- Thomas St. Angelo Public Library (Cumberland)
- Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library (New Richmond)
- Portage Public Library
Additional Samples (via WISELearn)
Self-Audit (From Wisconsin Statewife Projecy: Policy of the Month Club)
Equipment
- Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library (New Richmond)
- G.E. Bleskacek Family Memorial Library (Bloomer)
- McIntosh Memorial Library (Viroqua)
- Laptop (in-library use only)
- In-Library Technology Use
- Pepin Public Library
- River Falls Public Library
Gift
- Appleton Public Library
- Kenosha Public Library (Includes naming rights acceptance provisions)
- Somerset Public Library (Materials donation criteria & receipt)
- Waukesha Public Library (see also their Acceptance of Incentives for Programs policy)
Naming Rights Policy
Meeting Room
- Appleton Public Library
- Chippewa Falls Public Library
- Hartland Public Library
- L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (Eau Claire)
- Lester Public Library (Two Rivers)
Meeting Room Appeal Form
Resources (via WISELearn)
Self Audit (From Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Privacy & Public Records
- Hortonville Public Library (Confidentiality of Library Records)
- Menomonee Falls Public Library (Patron Privacy)
- Pauline Haass Public Library (Notice of Public Records)
- Shorewood Public Library (Privacy of Library Records)
Privacy Resources (via WISELearn)
Privacy Self Audit (From Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Public Records Resources (via WISELearn)
Public Records Self Audit (From Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Photography & Recordings
Programming
- Hudson Public Library (See website for additional forms, e.g. Citizen Program Proposal Form)
- La Crosse Public Library
- TEMPLATE from IFLS (created by Cecelia Cole)
- Wichita Public Library (Kansas)
Unattended Children
- Hudson Area Public Library (Includes verbiage for vulnerable adults)
- Lester Public Library (Two Rivers)
- Portage Public Library
- Wilberg Memorial Public Library (Osceola)
Additional Samples (via WISELearn)
Self-Audit (From Wisconsin Statewide Project: Policy of the Month Club)
Miscellaneous
3D Printer
- Amery Area Public Library
- Warning Notice for Copyright Infringement prepared by Tomas Lipinski (UWM)
Administration of the Library
- Neenah Public Library (full policy manual, see pages 25-28)
Complaint
- Mead Public Library (Sheboygan)
Disposal of Library Property
Public Comment
Public Comment Appearance Form
Additional Resources
- NFLS Sample Library Policy Templates (Presented at WLA 2022)
- Trustee Essentials 10 & 22
- Administrative Essential 15
- Introduction to Policy PowerPoint (Presented at New Director Bootcamp 2019)
- Wisconsin Policy of the Month Club: Policy Audit Tool (Excel Document)
Social Media
See Also