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Board adopts reference and information services policy clarifying staff limits on legal, medical and financial advice
Summary
Deputy Director Beth Postma presented a revised reference/information services policy that codifies existing practice and clarifies staff should not give legal, medical or financial advice but should direct patrons to authoritative resources; the board adopted the policy unanimously.
The Fargo Public Library Board unanimously adopted an updated reference and information services policy presented by Beth Postma, deputy director and head of adult services.
Postma said the draft largely codifies current practices, especially in adult services where staff provide technology assistance and resource referrals but do not make legal, medical or financial decisions for patrons. "One thing that is always taught in reference classes is you do not act as an attorney or a medical professional and give legal or medical advice," Postma said. The revision adds a specific practices section to reflect those boundaries in writing.
A motion to approve the policy was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote with no amendments. The board also noted minor typographical corrections raised during review; Postma indicated the edits would be incorporated.
