What Does a Trustee Do?
A trustee knows
the organization of the library Board
the library services and resources available
who uses the library and who does not use it
information needs and interests of the community
how to work effectively in a group
the services available at the State Library
national library trends, standards and developments
library terminology
A trustee attends
every Board and assigned committee meeting
federation meetings
professional meetings such as Montana Library Association conferences
other local meetings and workshops relating to library business
A trustee plans
for future growth and priorities of the library
library policy
active community awareness programs
orientation for new Board members
A trustee supports
the library and the director
the local governing body
the community
local, state and federal legislation related to libraries.
A trustee advocates
to articulate the library's needs
to seek funding
to promote the library
to develop good personal relations with local, state and federal government representatives
to make the Board and library visible in the community
for the community to receive excellent library service
A trustee remembers
the library Board acts only as a whole
an individual trustee may act on behalf of the library only when authorized to do so by the Board
the Board does not run the day-to-day operations of the library
Golden Rules for Board Members
Leave the actual management of the library to the director. It is the director's responsibility to select books, employ the staff and supervise day-to-day operations.
After a policy or rule is adopted by the majority vote of the library Board, do not criticize or re-voice your opposition publicly.
Respect confidential information. Do not divulge information regarding future Board actions or plans until such action is officially taken.
Observe any publicity and information policies of the Board and library. Do not give information individually but refer requests to the library director or appropriate trustee.
Do not hold Board meetings without the director.
Treat the director and staff members in an objective manner. Under no circumstances should you listen to grievances of staff members or treat individual problems on your own. The director is in charge of the staff and has administrative control up to the point where a grievance is presented to the library Board.
Complaints from the public are the director's responsibility. Complaints submitted directly to the Board or an individual trustee should be referred to the director. Continued problems should be taken up at the Board meeting only if policy revision is necessary or legal ramifications are involved.
All rules and policies must be approved by a quorum of the Board at a regular meeting.
Assume your full responsibility as a Board member. If you are unable to attend meetings regularly and complete work delegated to you, consider resigning so an active member can be appointed.
