The Job of the Board

The library Board is responsible for all that happens within the library and its outreach programs.

This statement might be a little intimidating to a new trustee, but it is both a legal and practical way of looking at the job you accepted. The Board does not manage the day-to-day operations of the library but, rather, is responsible for seeing that the library is well managed in accordance with the law and Board-established policies. To meet this responsibility, the Board has six major tasks:

Understand the laws governing the library

Hire and evaluate the library director and with the director's input hire and prescribe the duties of library staff

Set and monitor the library's budget

Set policy

Plan for the future of the library

Advocate for the library in the community and for the community as a Board member

Resources for Non-Profit Boards

Best Practices from BoardBuild.org