Board Development
Why is Board Development important?
- Trusteeship is a working relationship with the community, library staff and fellow trustees.
- Trustees are entrusted by the public to look after its interest and are accountable to the public.
- There is a direct correlation between the quality of library service a community offers and the knowledge, capability and enthusiasm of its Board members.
- The most effective trustees are those who take advantage of learning and training opportunities.
I’m a new trustee! What do I need to know?
Library Administration Manual - the new combined handbooks for directors and trustees with information for each and both on running a successful public library in Montana
Trustee Trouble - A series from the Wyoming State Library depicting some common missteps trustees may experience
Trustee Manual - an earlier manual which might also be useful to look at, with information specifically for trustees.
How do we hire a new library director?
Succession planning - resources for both planned and emergency succession events
Toolkit from COSLA (Chief Officers of State Library Agencies) containing sample job descriptions, recruitment ads, interview questions, reference checks, letters and more
Public library standards recommend trustees are certified. How do we do that?
Voluntary certification for trustees
Using the ASPeN directory to track continuing education credits
Other Helpful Resources
Legal Resources for Public Libraries from previous Montana State Library trainings
Suggestions for Bylaws for Montana Library Boards (pdf)
Understanding Meeting Minutes Procedures (pdf) based on research conducted by MSL staff
MSL Extension Local Government Center resources for local government entities
MCA - Libraries - explaining libraries and local government
United for Libraries - Montana has statewide access. Login and take advantage of webinars and recorded training videos
American Library Association (ALA)
