MAKE THE LIBRARY BOARD WORK FOR YOU
The partnership between the library director and board is crucial for the library's success. Collaboration, communication, and shared responsibilities are key to ensuring a healthy partnership. The board's responsibilities include securing funding, budgeting, policy-making, strategic planning, and overseeing the director. Regular meetings and effective communication are essential for maintaining a productive partnership.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
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 - board directory, bylaws, library policies, annual report, meeting schedule.
Communication is vital Be the clear voice for the library and its needs. Reach out to specific trustees as necessary. Anticipate problems and propose solutions. Offer background and information. No one likes surprises. Don t be afraid to disagree. Advocate for what you think the library needs - you are the professional
Cultivate relationships Become familiar with your trustees. Each trustee brings specific skills and knowledge to the position. Work with the board president to match trustees with committees aligned with these skills and interests. Tap skills that could be useful - public relations, community outreach, strategic planning, financial experience.
Cultivate relationships Trustees will be more engaged when they feel comfortable. Identify community connections. Define unique perspectives. Encourage trustees to share their thoughts and ideas. Work together to advance the mission of the library.
Cultivate relationships Developing a good personal relationship with your trustees will make working together much easier. Disagreements will be on policy/procedure and not personality. Easier to see another perspective. Discussion and brainstorming work well when people share a personal relationship and a common mission.
Keys to success Collaborate Communicate Cultivate
Cultivate relations Trustees will be more engaged when they feel comfortable. Identify community connections Define unique perspectives Encourage trustees to share their thoughts and ideas. Work together to advance the mission of the library
Problems with trustees Conflict of interest Personal agenda Lack of preparation for meetings Poor attendance at meetings Inappropriate interactions with staff Inability to work with others Different view of library s goals and mission Interference in director s job
Encourage trustees to pursue continuing education Give them the tools they need to succeed Educate trustees about the resources available to help them do their job NJLTA membership Monthly trustee check-in co-sponsored by NJLTA and the State Library Past programs ( including past trustee institutes) on State Library website ALA s United for Libraries also offers free materials
Resources for directors and trustees Encourage trustees to pursue continuing education Ensure that trustees have the tools they need to succeed Educate trustees about the resources available to them to do their job from organizations such as: New Jersey State Library American Library Association New Jersey Library Association New Jersey Library Trustee Association Manual for New Jersey Public Library Trustees
A partnership that works Establishing a good working partnership with your board of trustees is a key component to your success as a library director. Library trustees are appointed to work with you. Together you will advocate for the library, secure funding for the resources you need, and develop policies that will make the library and open, positive resource in the community. Together you will make the library the best it can be. Congratulations and good luck!
