North Dakota Century Code outlines all of the laws that govern those in North Dakota. Each biennium, after the legislature updates the Century Code with new laws, the North Dakota State Library compiles relevant laws to libraries into the North Dakota Library Law document. This compilation serves as a training and reference resource for all libraries in the state in regards to open records and meeting laws, State Aid to Public Libraries, establishment of public library services, obscenity, Library Media Specialist credentialing, and more.
It is important that all librarians familiarize themselves with the laws relevant to their chosen profession in order to best provide their services in a legal manner. This guide compiles information on major topics, but it is not comprehensive. Please consult the State Library with general questions or your local attorney for further interpretations of law.
Below are links to other aspects of both North Dakota law and Federal law. Please take the time to pursue these resources as they will help the library better serve the community:
There are several Attorney General Opinions that have been issued that affect different aspects of libraries including State Aid, library boards, roles of county and city commissions, establishment and re-establishment of library services, and more.
The North Dakota Library Coordinating Council (NDLCC), as outlined in NDCC §54-24.4-01, consists of 11 members including the State Librarian, the president of NDLA, and 9 members appointed by the governor to represent public libraries (2); school libraries (1); public or private higher education institution libraries (1); libraries at large (2); disabled, economically disadvantaged, and minority populations (1), and citizens at large (2).
Board members can serve two 3-year terms. Announcements of vacancies are made via the North Dakota State Library's listservs, Flickertale newsletter, website, and social media. Applications can be submitted at any time to the Office of the Governor using the Application Form for Boards and Commissions.
The NDLCC's duties include assisting in planning, coordinating, and evaluating the services and programs of ND libraries, serving as the state advisory council on libraries, approving and distributing Library Vision grants to libraries in accordance with Library Vision, and more as outlined in NDCC §54-24.4-05.
Further information about NDLCC including current members, organizational bylaws, and meeting minutes can be found here.
Many of these resources and programs are funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.