MAKE THE LIBRARY BOARD WORK FOR YOU Pat Tumulty,

Transcript:MAKE THE LIBRARY BOARD WORK FOR YOU Pat Tumulty,:
MAKE THE LIBRARY BOARD WORK FOR YOU Pat Tumulty, Consultant New Jersey Library Trustee Association The library board is appointed to work with the library director. When this partnership works well, the library benefits. When this partnership is strained, the library suffers. How can you ensure that the partnership between the library director and library board is healthy? Keys to success Collaborate Communicate Cultivate Responsibilities of the Library Board The library board is a legal, public institution. Secure adequate funding for the successful operation of the library Develop, evaluate and monitor the library’s budget Establish policies that support the mission of the library Develop and periodically review both the short and long term strategic plans for the library Establish bylaws that govern how the board operates Hire, supervise and evaluate the library director Collaborate with trustees. The library board is charged with specific legal responsibilities. Know, understand and respect what these legal responsibilities are. Make sure the trustees know what their responsibilities are. Work with the board to ensure that bylaws are up to date and written so the board functions the way the library needs it to function - rules, agendas, committees etc. Shared Responsibilities The library director and board work together on several key areas for the success of the library The development and monitoring of the library budget Development of library policies Strategic Planning State and federal laws pertaining to libraries Promoting the library and its services to the community Monthly board meetings A packet is prepared for each board member and distributed prior to the monthly board meeting. The packet should include: Agenda Minutes from the prior meeting Director’s report/ Financial reports Any other pertinent material trustees need to review before the meeting Monthly board meeting The format and order of the meeting may vary, but should include: Open public meeting statement Approval of minutes Board president’s report Director’s report Financial report and approval of bills Committee reports Old/new business Public Comments Communication is vital Keep the board informed about what’s happening in the library. Communicate through Director’s report - your opportunity to fill the board in on everything going on behind the scenes. Use your time to break down statistics, identify trends, highlight budget concerns. Informing specific chairpeople of concerns in their area of responsibility Keeping board president informed about issues in the library Meeting new trustees and providing them with information about the library