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Fargo library board amends bylaws wording, adopts updated collection policy
Summary
At its May 19 meeting the Fargo Public Library Board voted to amend its bylaws to replace the word “customers” with “patrons” and approved an updated Collection Development Policy that modernizes language on periodicals and digital content.
The Fargo Public Library Board on May 19 voted to amend its bylaws to change the word “customers” to “patrons” and approved a revised Collection Development Policy.
Board member John Rodenbiker moved the amendment to Article 2, Section 3 to replace “customers” with “patrons”; another board member seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. The chair then called for approval of the bylaws as amended. Director (name not stated) confirmed staff will search the bylaws for any other instances of the word “customers” and, if found, bring those edits back to the board next month.
The board also reviewed a lengthy draft of the Collection Development Policy prepared by the Collection Development Manager, Jenilee Kennewisher. The director told the board the draft updates language and practices related to different parts of the collection, especially periodicals and how those resources are handled in the age of the internet. A board member moved to approve the policy as presented; the motion was seconded and passed.
Board discussion emphasized consistency of wording across policies and the importance of aligning policy language with day-to-day practice. The director described the changes as an effort to “bring the language up to date,” noting the policy reflects current collection practices and the evolving availability of periodicals and digital formats.
The board took no further action on bylaws beyond the single-word amendment and adoption of the collection policy. The board did not identify other substantive changes to bylaws at this meeting.
