Under state and statutory regulations and the by-laws of each library are set forth the guidelines concerning duties the board of directors must follow. If these guidelines are not adhered to with due care and diligence, financial damage to the director(s) and the library can result. The negligent officer or director can become personally liable in any suit that results. Unless the appropriate insurance coverage is purchased to cover this liability exposure, each library board member is subjecting his or her personal assets and the library to the suing whims of the general public. The answer to this problem lies in the acquisition of directors and officers liability insurance.