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Table of Contents-Letter-Introduction-Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, Glossary, Internets Links, Calendar of Events, Freedom to Read Statement, Index
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As a trustee, you are entrusted by the public to look after its interest. You are also accountable to the public. Trusteeship is a working relationship with the community, library staff and fellow trustees. It requires a great deal of time, but even more importantly, it requires a commitment. There is a direct correlation between the quality of library service a community offers and the knowledge, capability and enthusiasm of its Board members.
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Leave the actual management of the library to the director. It is the director's responsibility to select books, employ the staff and supervise day-to-day operations.
After a policy or rule is adopted by the majority vote of the library Board, do not criticize or re-voice your opposition publicly.
Respect confidential information. Do not divulge information regarding future Board actions or plans until such action is officially taken.
Observe any publicity and information policies of the Board and library. Do not give information individually but refer requests to the library director or appropriate trustee.
Do not hold Board meetings without the director.
Treat the director and staff members in an objective manner. Under no circumstances should you listen to grievances of staff members or treat individual problems on your own. The director is in charge of the staff and has administrative control up to the point where a grievance is presented to the library Board.
Complaints from the public are the director's responsibility. Complaints submitted directly to the Board or an individual trustee should be referred to the director. Continued problems should be taken up at the Board meeting only if policy revision is necessary or legal ramifications are involved.
All rules and policies must be approved by a quorum of the Board at a regular meeting.
Assume your full responsibility as a Board member. If you are unable to attend meetings regularly and complete work delegated to you, consider resigning so an active member can be appointed.
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Even though a library trustee is a volunteer position, becoming a trustee is like taking on a new job. It requires the same hard work and willingness to learn as does a paid position.
You might have been given a job description to review before becoming a trustee. If not, your Board may want to consider preparing one. A written job description may help future potential trustees understand the roles and responsibilities of the position.
The following sample job description for a public library trustee shows what should be included.
Provides governance for the Public Library; establishes policy; sets goals; hires director; establishes and monitors annual budget; signs necessary contracts; exercises such other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for the effective use and management of the library.
Participates in the ongoing responsibilities of the governing body, including establishment of library policies and planning for current and future library services and programs.
Determines and adopts written policies to govern the operation and services of the library.
Attends all regular and special meetings of the Board, and participates in committees and activities as necessary; attends appropriate library functions.
Represents the interests and needs of community members.
Lends expertise and experience to the organization.
Sets an annual budget and approves expenditure of funds; monitors budget and expenses throughout the year.
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Maintains an awareness of library issues and trends, and the implications for library users.
Acts as liaison with the public, interpreting and informing local government, media and public of library services and needs.
Hires, sets salary, evaluates and supervises a qualified director to implement Board decisions and directions and to carry out day-to-day provision of library services.
Establishes short- and long-range goals for library.
Understands pertinent local and state law; actively supports library legislation in the state and nation.
Ensures compliance with open meeting law.
Reviews and signs necessary contracts (e.g., contract with > County).
Reports activities to city and county commissions annually.
Is interested in the library and its services.
Has the ability to contribute adequate time for effective participation in Board activities and decision making.
Has the ability to represent needs and varied interests of the community at large and the library.
Has strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Has the ability to work with governmental bodies, agencies and other libraries.
Has the ability to handle opposition and make decisions in the interest of library service.
Time Commitment
The Board of Trustees meets monthly at a time convenient for members.
Under Montana law, trustees shall hold their office for five years from the date of appointment and until their successors are appointed. Members shall serve no more than two full terms in succession.
Special meetings or committee meetings may be called as necessary at times that are convenient to members and that comply with open meeting laws.
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Table of Contents-Letter-Introduction-Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, Glossary, Internets Links, Calendar of Events, Freedom to Read Statement, Index