Table of Contents

Letter from the State Librarian

Introduction
Acknowledgements I-2

Trustees and the Board

Chapter 1. Getting Started
Trustee Orientation 1-2
Library tour 1-2
Materials 1-2
Orientation Meeting 1-3
Continued Learning 1-4
What Did You Learn? 1-5

Chapter 2. The Job of a Trustee
What Does a Trustee Do? 2-1
Golden Rules for Board Members 2-2
The Job Description 2-3

Chapter 3. The Job of the Board
Board Meetings 3-1
Typical Board Meeting Agenda 3-2
Chairing the Board 3-3
Public Participation 3-4
Sample Public Participation Policy 3-5
Board Bylaws 3-6
Comparing the Roles of the Library Board and the Library Director 3-7
Evaluating the Board 3-8

Laws and Ethics
Chapter 4. Complying with the Law
Montana Laws 4-1
Free Public Libraries 4-1
District Libraries 4-3
Multijurisdictional Service Districts 4-3
Library Records Confidentiality Act 4-3
Library Federations 4-4
Open Meetings 4-4
Code of Ethics 4-4
Montana State Library Commission 4-4
Montana State Library 4-4
Public Library Standards 4-5
Other State Laws and Local Ordinances 4-5
Federal Laws 4-5
Americans with Disabilities Act 4-5
Employment Laws 4-5
Library Services and Technology Act 4-6
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (E-Rate) 4-6
Board Liability 4-7

Chapter 5. Protecting the Public's Freedom to Read
Collection Management Policy 5-1
Handling Complaints 5-2
Children's Rights 5-3
Confidentiality of Library Records 5-3
Sample _ Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources 5-4
Library Bill of Rights 5-5
Freedom to Read 5-6

Chapter. 6 Ethical Considerations for Trustees
Ethics Statement for Public Library Trustees 6-3
Guidelines for Preserving Public Trust 6-4

Personnel
Chapter 7. Hiring the Director
The Wrong Question 7-6
Montana Certification Program 7-9

Chapter 8. Working with the Library Staff
A Team Effort 8-2

Chapter 9. Evaluating the Director
Evaluation Criteria 9-2
Sample Evaluation Form 9-6
Sample Evaluation Form 9-7

Finances
Chapter 10. Funding the Library
Local Funding Sources 10-1
Suggested Mill Levy Timeline 10-2
State Funding Sources 10-3
Information Access Montana Act 10-3
Coal Severance Tax 10-4
Federal Funding Sources 10-4
Library Services and Technology Act 10-5
Money Matters 10-5
Telecommunications Discount Program (E-Rate) 10-6
Other Funding Sources 10-6

Chapter 11. Building the Budget
Sample Budget Planning Calendar 11-2

Chapter 12. Following the Money 12-1

Policies and Planning
Chapter 13. Setting Policy
Making Policy 13-2
Montana State Library Internet Use Policy 13-3
A Policy List for Public Libraries 13-5

Chapter 14. Planning for the Future
The Written Plan 14-2
Planning Resources 14-2
Planning for Facilities 14-3
Planning for Disaster 14-4
Planning for Technology 14-5

Community Relations
Chapter 15. Marketing the Library
Planning 15-1
Publicity 15-1
Public Relations 15-2
How to Talk about the Library 15-2
Media relations 15-3
How to Write a Press Release 15-4
Press Release Format 15-5
Customer Service 15-6
Politics 15-6
Strategic Marketing Checklist 15-8

Chapter 16. Community Partners
Friends of the Library 16-1
Library Foundations 16-2

Chapter 17. Libraries and Library Organizations

Library and Information Services Department 17-2
Library Development Department 17-2
MSL Organizational Chart 17-3
Montana Talking Book Library 17-4

User Services and Support Program 17-4
Geographic Information Systems and Information Services
Systems Development Program 17-4
Natural Heritage Program 17-5

Appendices
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B. Internet Links
Appendix C: Library Calendar of Events, Activities and Continuing Education Opportunities
Appendix D. Freedom to Read Statement