Title
Discuss and review the Farmers Branch Manske Library Policies and proposed updates, and determine if any revisions are necessary.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Parks and Recreation Department
BACKGROUND:
In a continuing effort to enhance service delivery through continual process improvement, the Farmers Branch Manske Library has operated under a framework of operational policies. The Library Policies are currently used by library staff and patrons to guide library use, covering four main areas: Circulation, Collection Development, Technology Use, and Information Security and Privacy. In addition to the four listed items, the policies address the Library Code of Conduct, interlibrary loans, fines and fees, facility use, and other library procedures.
In the fall of 2025, the Texas State Legislature updated the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Minimum Standards for Accreditation of Libraries in the State Library System. The updated standards required that “…at a minimum, the library must maintain current and publicly available policies and procedures, approved by the library’s governing or designated authority…”
In previous years, Library Policies have been reviewed by staff and the Library Board to make updates as needed. The staff began a more rigorous review of the policies and procedures to meet the updated standards in the fall of 2025.
At Library Board meetings held in February and April 2026, the Board reviewed staff updates to the current policies. At the April 9, 2026, meeting, the Board approved the current versions of the policies, pending City Attorney review. In late April 2026, the City Attorney completed their review of the Board's policy updates and prepared redline and clean versions for City Council review.
DISCUSSION:
The Farmers Brach Manske Library Board works in an advisory capacity to the City Council as stipulated in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Section 2-182 Purpose, “The Farmers Branch Manske Library Board is organized to advise the City Council and act as a coordinating agency through which individual citizens, business and industry, government, and private organizations may work together in the best interest of the people of the City concerning the constructive use of the library.” As the City’s governing body, the City Council will need to review, provide input, and ultimately adopt the current Library Policies to comply with the accreditation standards now in effect.
Staff will provide the City Council with a comprehensive update on the proposed policies, including an overview of the policy development process and policy focus areas. The presentation will provide an opportunity for Council discussion and direction.
Staff will be available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide any additional information requested by the Council.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Manske Library Policy - Library Board Redline
2. Manske Library Policy - City Attorney Redline
3. Manske Library Policy - Final
4. Presentation