Procedures, especially those that change frequently, job descriptions, hours, rates, fees, etc. are contained in the appendix, along with copies of the Manitoba Public Libraries Act, Municipal agreements, legal and government pamphlets, etc. The appendix should be in a form that can be easily added to or changed. The policy document should define the library's operation - the tasks that are to be done and, as appropriate, when, how, why and by whom. The operations must not, of course, be defined so rigidly and precisely that there is no room for initiative and innovation by the staff. Although the development of policy is done in consultation with the librarian and staff, the final determination of library policy and its adoption is the responsibility of the library board.
Policy is one of the most important duties of the library board.
Policy should be clearly stated in broad general terms. Trustees should keep an open mind toward needed changes and revisions of policy. The board's first responsibility is toward the public, to provide adequate and satisfactory library service and this obligation takes precedence over personalities, prejudices, and partisanship. Trustees need to do more than just attend board meetings, they need to involve themselves in the whole library process.