Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 78 - Libraries
Section 19h - Definitions

Section 19H. As used in sections nineteen G to nineteen K, inclusive, the following words shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings:—
''Addition, expansion or extension'', work which will result in an increase in the overall external dimension of a public library facility.
''Alteration'', work required to modify or adjust the interior space arrangement or other physical characteristics of an existing public library facility so that it may be more effectively utilized for its present designated functional purpose.
''Approved public library project'', an undertaking for the planning, alteration, construction, demolition, reconstruction, renovation, addition, expansion, extension, or rehabilitation of a public library facility as approved by a majority vote of the town at a town meeting or by a majority vote of a city council, with the approval of the mayor, in the case of a city or in a municipality having a town council form of government, by vote of the town council.
''Construction'', new construction, alteration, renovation, rehabilitation, or other activity that is intended to result in a significant increase in the internal useable space of a free public library.
''Master plan'', a study, description, or design of an approved library project which is intended to ensure that various components of an approved public library project shall be compatible with each other and that the approved public library project as a whole is compatible with its surroundings.
''Planning'', the preparation of a master plan, study, analysis, or similar report the purpose of which is to define the cost, content and schedule of an approved library project so as to establish a frame of reference prior to design, acquisition, construction, alteration, renovation, rehabilitation or other activity of an approved public library project.
''Public agency'', a department, board, commission, council or other instrumentality of a city or town.
''Public library facility'', a building, modular unit, facility jointly used by more than one municipality or other structure utilized as a free public library in a city or town.
''Rehabilitation'', work required to restore a public library facility to its former historic condition, or to modify and modernize a public library facility in order that it may be effectively utilized for its designated functional purpose.
''Renovation'', work required to restore and modernize most of a public library facility in order that the facility may be effectively utilized for its designated functional purpose or to comply with current code requirements.
''Study'', a plan, analysis or report to identify and evaluate alternative solutions to and recommendations for a solution to the needs and requirements defined by a public agency proposing an approved public library project.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part I - Administration of the Government

Title XII - Education

Chapter 78 - Libraries

Section 1 - Existing Corporations

Section 2 - Organization of County Law Libraries

Section 3 - Use by Residents of County

Section 4 - Source of Funds

Section 5 - Right to Receive Legislative Documents

Section 6 - Right to Receive Other Books and Documents

Section 7 - Establishment by Cities and Towns; Records

Section 8 - Use of Facilities by Non-Residents

Section 9 - Return of Unwanted State Publications

Section 10 - Town Libraries; Selection of Trustees and Officers

Section 11 - Board of Trustees; Powers and Duties

Section 12 - Annual Report of Trustees

Section 13 - Applicability of Sections Relating to Trustees

Section 14 - Board of Library Commissioners; Members; Appointment; Term; By-Laws; Reimbursement; Officers; Staff

Section 15 - Duties Relating to Management and Maintenance of Libraries

Section 19 - Powers, Duties and Status of Board

Section 19a - State Aid; Determination

Section 19b - State Aid; Annual Reports by Libraries; Requisites for Aid

Section 19c - Regional Public Library Service; Annual Appropriation

Section 19d - Regional Public Library Service; Council of Members

Section 19e - Library Media Services; Comprehensive Statewide Program; Funds; Standards

Section 19f - Regional Public Library Service; Arrangement for Delivery and Retrieval of Materials or Services

Section 19g - State Assistance for Public Library Projects

Section 19h - Definitions

Section 19i - Application for and Distribution of Funds

Section 19j - Allocation of Funds; Priorities

Section 19k - Gifts and Grants

Section 19l - Massachusetts Library and Information Network

Section 19m - Statewide Advisory Council on Cooperative Library Programs

Section 19n - Rules and Regulations

Section 20 - Librarians; Appointment; Examination; Registration

Section 21 - Inapplicability of Certain Sections to Cities

Section 22 - Certification of Librarians

Section 23 - Board Meetings; Quorum

Section 24 - Definitions Applicable to Secs. 22 to 31

Section 25 - Rules and Regulations

Section 27 - Clerical Assistance, etc.; Expenditures

Section 28 - Duties of Board

Section 29 - Librarians; Qualifications

Section 30 - Fees

Section 31 - Status of Existing Librarians; Certificates

Section 32 - Library Staff Members; Leaves of Absence for Study or Research

Section 33 - Policy for Selection and Use of Library Materials and Facilities

Section 34 - Employment Contracts for Library Employees