Board terms are determined by the establishment statute of the library. Some library types have some discretion in terms. A board could only change the terms of office of its members in accordance with the law that governs that library type. Term limitations involve constitutional issues and are something that a library board would likely not be able to simply determine- particularly with an elected board. In addition, municipal libraries may have to adhere to municipal charters that impose term limits on certain officials. A board could impose term limits for officers within the board (president, vice president, etc.) by implementing the limit in their bylaws. Library boards wishing to explore the possibility of term limits are encouraged to consult their library attorney. I hope this helps! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “The dissemination of ideas can accomplish nothing if otherwise willing addressees are not free to receive and consider them. It would be a barren marketplace of ideas that had only sellers and no buyers.” Lamont v. Postmaster General, 381 U.S. 301. Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-plan> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [Logo, company name Description automatically generated] From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Cory Grimminck via Michlib-l Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 12:07 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Board Member Term Limits CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> I'm just curious because I genuinely do not know . . . do any of you have term limits for your board members? If so, are they appointed or elected members? What is the limit? Why did you choose to have limits, and do you find them to be effective? Thanks in advance for any info I may get! Cory Grimminck Portland District Library
