Library Study Guide

Library Study Guide

Library Study

Purpose of the LWV Montana Library Study

Delegates attending the League of Women Voters of Montana (LWVMT) 2025 Annual Meeting voted to initiate a study of Montana libraries, focusing on how libraries exemplify democracy in action.

The purpose of this study is to examine the current status, challenges, and opportunities facing Montana libraries, including public, academic, school, special, and other publicly funded libraries. The Study Guide explores how libraries contribute to democracy, civic engagement, education, and community well-being, to help determine how the League can best support these institutions. This study will promote understanding of the role libraries play in supporting informed communities and potentially give Leagues a Position from which to advocate for libraries. The study will also help ensure that League members understand the importance of maintaining adequate and sustainable funding for library services.

The goal of a LWV study of public libraries in Montana is to reaffirm to League members the importance of libraries in our communities in their mission of providing equal access to information. In a democracy, people need access to free and unbiased facts.

  • Public libraries are fundamental to a healthy democratic society.
  • Libraries support free speech.
  • Libraries encourage civic engagement.
  • Libraries empower individuals to make informed decisions to be able to participate in civic life.
  • Libraries uphold privacy rights and protect intellectual freedom.

Library Study Process

Each local League will make this Study Guide available to its members encouraging them to read the Study Guide and linked materials, then hold a membership meeting in November to discuss the study questions and consider consensus with the draft proposed position. Results of each local League’s consensus discussion will be sent to the Study Committee, which will, if consensus is reached, prepare a report to the Board containing the results and a proposed Position for adoption by the LWVMT board at the board meeting in January 2027. If adopted by the board, it will be presented for a vote by members at the LWV Montana Convention in May 2027.

Library Study Guide with Discussion Questions and Proposed Position