Skip to main content

Recently Asked Questions (RAQs)

To search the database of RAQs, use the site-wide search. To browse, select a subject tag on the right side of this page.

Submit a Question to Ask the Lawyer About the Service

Displaying 46 - 50 of 89
Question Submission Date
Statute of Limitations for Library Fines

We have become aware that a recent law in New York shortened the statute of limitations to collect consumer debts.  Does this affect our library’s ability to enforce and collect library fines?

Term Breaks for Board of Trustee Members

Can a school district library board mandate that trustees take a one-year break after two terms? It is our understanding that we cannot limit trustee terms, but our bylaws require a year break after serving two three-year terms. We aren't limiting the number of terms a trustee can serve.
Thank you for your input.

 

Donations Solicitations for Public Libraries

A town municipal public library has been told by the town that the library cannot have a donate to the library button on the library's website. The library hosts its own website, and the donations would go into a library checking account.

The town feels that the library will be seen as fundraising. Is there a comptroller's opinion or NYS Law that states municipal town libraries (or school district or special district) libraries cannot ask for donations on its website?

Thanks

FOIL and Social Media

For public libraries that must comply with Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), how does FOIL impact our organization's use of social media? What sort of social media records can be FOIL-ed and what are some best practices for using social media in regards to FOIL?

Agenda Changes

Often times, our meeting agenda changes so we would like to add a disclosure at the bottom that reads “Agenda is subject to change.”

Is this something that is allowed, and would it need to be included in our bylaws?