Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook 

a

Massachusetts Laws Pertaining to Libraries

It is advisable for trustees and library director to acquire a familiarity with local, state and federal laws which may have an impact on library management by consulting with local municipal officials and other authorities.

Although there are many Massachusetts laws which could apply to library management, the following table shows a selective index of library laws which have a broad impact on the board of trustees and which are particularly relevant to the general administration of Massachusetts public libraries. Massachusetts General Laws may be accessed online at the Board of Library Commissioner's MLIN web site at http://www.mlin.lib.ma.us.

A Selective List of Massachusetts Laws Pertaining to Libraries
Subject Chapter Section(s)

Anti-Discrimination Law

Anti-Obscenity Law

Charitable Corporations

Confidentiality of Library Records

Conflict of Interest

Crimes:

Destruction or Mutilation of Library Materials

Theft of Library Materials

Disturbance of Libraries

Dog Tax Law

Due Process Legislation

Written Policy for Selection of Materials

Written Employment Contracts with Library Directors

Funds, Receipt of Revolving Funds

Handicapped Access to Public Buildings

Harmful to Minors Act

Joint Libraries

Labor Relations: Public Employees

Liability

Libraries:

Establishment of Free Public Libraries

Board of Library Commissioners

Regional Public Library Service

Library and Information Network

Lost Materials: Use of Recovered Money

Open Meeting Law

Public Records

Smoking in Public Places

State Aid to Cities and Towns for Free Public Libraries

Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of Massachusetts

Trust Funds

Trustees of Town Libraries

151B

272

180

4, 66

268A

266

266

272

140

78

44

22

272

78

150E

258

78

78

78

78

44

39

66

270

78

Art XVIII

44

78

1-10

28, 29, 29B, 31

1-11C, 26-26B

7(26), 10

17-25

100

99, 99A

41

147A, 172

33, 34

53, 53A, 53E1/2

13A

28, 31

11

1-15

1, 7-9

19

19C, 19D, 19F

19L

53

23A-C, 24

1-18

21-22

19A, B

2

54, 55B

10-1

 
This Web site, and other programs of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is funded in part with funds from the
Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning.
Page last updated on 09/24/2007