Recently Asked Questions

I am interested in developing a policy to outline who/how the library may collect donations on behalf of other organizations. We have always had a Lion's Club eyeglass donation box in the library. I inherited this procedure but I cannot find any policy that specifies the parameters of such an agreement. Does the organization we would collect for have to be a 501C3? I can't find guidance on what is acceptable, appropriate and most of all legal. Does the organization have to be one that reports finances to the state? We are a special legislative district library. I found some information from the state (below) but my legalese isn't what I'd like it to be. Thanks for any information you can provide. (PS this is prompted by someone telling a local group that we would let them collect old sneakers for their cause...Eeeewww!)

SECTION 174-B
Solicitation
Executive (EXC) CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE 7-A

I understand that, as employers of a union shop, the library is required to allow the union a reasonable amount of time to conduct union business.[1] However, how much time is reasonable? Can employees meet with their shop stewards on the clock at the library for 5+ hours a week, taking both away from their duties? Is there a ballpark? Could we set a limit of 1-2 hours a week?
Thank you!

Our historical society produced a documentary about the making of a sculpture. Our videographer filmed work in the sculptor’s studio and in so doing, in the background captured photographs the sculptor had on a storyboard for another project. Is it necessary to obtain permission to use the individual’s image, even though it was not prominent nor the subject of the documentary?

We are planning an emergency preparedness training for library staff to include CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Narcan training. We have heard from librarians that some boards are concerned about the implications of having staff trained. We would like to have some commonly asked questions addressed so that we can answer them if they come up.

1. If staff are trained, do they incur a duty to act? Would they personally or the library as institution become liable should they freeze up and not intervene?

2. If staff are trained but inadvertently cause harm in the process of administering aid, are they covered by any kind of Good Samaritan law?

3. Can a library have a policy of requiring all staff to undergo these types of trainings?

4. Are there any other legal implications or obligations that should be considered that the average person may not think of?

There seems to be a trend for libraries that have Friends groups to hold fundraisers, donations, and membership drives at the library. In some instances, the library collects money for the Friends and pays it to them at a later date. Considering the cash handling procedures libraries have to worry about, is it allowable for libraries to collect Friends membership dues and donations then pay it back to the Friends?