Legal Challenge to Full-Time Library Heads Dismissed

A lawsuit brought against the Florida Division of Library and Information Services by Library Systems & Services (LSSI) has been dismissed. The suit challenged a proposed amendment to State Aid Program Guidelines which requires the head of a public library be a full-time employee of the single administrative unit.

The Administrative Law Judge’s ruling allows the State Library and Archives of Florida to move forward with its proposed administrative rule requiring a local government to employ a full time public library director in order to be eligible to receive a library operating grant from the state.

The Florida Library Association (FLA) filed a motion to intervene in the case. FLA was represented in the suit by attorneys Christopher Lyon and Walter Forehand of the firm Lewis, Longman and Walker.

“FLA believes that the successful provision of public library service to Floridians and Florida communities requires the attention and service of a full time administrator, “said Wendy Breeden, President of the Florida Library Association.

Breeden expressed appreciation for efforts by the Florida Department of State to defend its proposed rule and its long standing commitment to the provision of the best possible public library service to the people of Florida. “The Florida Library Association is proud to have participated in this proceeding as an intervenor and in lending its support to the Department in this important undertaking.”

The Final Order of Dismissal may be found at http://www.doah.state.fl.us/docdoc/2009/004289/09004289DWH-012810-13052905.pdf