Understanding the Role of Public Libraries Under Indiana's Open Door Law

Abstract

Since its passage some thirty years ago in 1977, the Indiana Open Door Law has been a fountain of confusion for public libraries and a source of litigation for many public bodies and public officials. This brief article will clarify the major roles and responsibilities of Indiana public libraries to the public under the Indiana Open Door Law. The Indiana General Assembly enacted the Open Door Law to ensure that the business of the State of Indiana and its political subdivisions will be conducted openly so that the general public may be fully informed. Courts have interpreted that the provisions of this statute are to be liberally construed in order to give full effect to the legislature’s intent. The intended beneficiaries of this law are members of the public, and the aim is to make the business of state government and its subdivisions as transparent to the public as possible. But how does this translate, in practical terms, to public libraries in Indiana?