Qualifications
Effective library boards consist of informed, dedicated citizens who represent a cross-section of the community. There is usually a direct relationship between the quality of library service a community offers and the knowledge, capability and enthusiasm of its board members.
Effective trustees are citizens who have:
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Readiness to learn about the library in addition to the duties, responsibilities and authority of trusteeship.
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Recognition of the importance of the library as a center of information, culture, recreation and life-long learning.
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Willingness to learn about areas of library service that includes standards, trends and new developments.
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Rapport with the community, including a concerned awareness of diverse social and economic conditions, needs, and interests of all segments of the public.
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An active interest in the community, government, business, education, finance, law or related fields.
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Initiative and ability to plan creatively, to establish policies for effective operation of the library, and to withstand pressures and prejudices when providing impartial service to library users.
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Skill in board management, an open mind, intellectual curiosity, respect for the opinions of others and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
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Sound judgment, a sense of fiscal responsibility, legal understanding and political awareness.
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Verbal and written communication skills, the ability to relate to the public and the availability to represent the library at public functions and meetings.
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Willingness to participate with local, state or national library leaders to improve library service on all levels.
Responsibilities
To Know:
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The role and purpose of the public library.
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Library services and resources available.
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Local government - structure, people and operation.
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Information needs and interests of the community.
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How to work effectively in a group.
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The role of state and regional library development agencies.
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National library trends, standards and developments.
To Attend:
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Every board meeting and committee meetings.
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Other library oriented regional and local meetings and workshops.
To Plan:
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Policies of the Library.
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Future growth and priorities of the Library.
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Active community awareness programs.
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Orientation for new board members.
To Support:
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Library Director and Staff.
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The Community and citizens you represent.
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Local, state and federal legislation for library development.
To Act:
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To articulate your library's needs.
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To seek funding.
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To promote your library.
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To develop good personal relations with local and state representatives.
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To make yourself, your board and your library visible in the community.
To Remember:
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The library board acts only as a whole.
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The library board must authorize you to act in behalf of the library.
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To delegate responsibility for the operation of the library to the Director.