Joys of being a library district
The incredible sense of responsibility to set things up and spend money wisely can be exciting and energizing. It forces you to think about things that you once took for granted. It's a well-worn phrase, but the truth is this kind of responsibility can be very empowering.
You need to accept that mistakes are inevitable, but mistakes are easier to fix. When you are in control of what happens you can respond quickly and fix problems that arise.
You may have freedom from fighting the same old battles. Unfortunately there are communities where resources are tight, and there is a lot of fighting about money. As an independent library district you probably won't have to fight these battles anymore.
You see more possibilities and have the energy and time to work toward them. Since you aren't fighting old battles and you are in control of everything you have time and energy to offer new services and options for staff, patrons, and the community.
You learn and grow - the challenges are good challenges. Change can be a breath of fresh air, because it brings us opportunities to learn new skills.
It is rewarding to know that you have created a positive legacy for the future! You are in the process of creating a library that can thrive and grow with its community. You have paved the way for future generations to enjoy a wonderful library.
ASPeN: The New Library Directory
- Home
- Introduction
- Challenges of being a library district
- Joys of being a library district
- Contact Us
- Getting Started - Helpful Hints
- Develop an Action Plan
- Work/Life Balance
- Celebrate Your Successes
- Getting Started Checklist
- Working with the city and county during the transition
- County Actions
- City Actions
- Memorandums of Agreement
- Independent or with County
- City/County Transitions Checklist
- Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!
- Employer Identification Number
- Name Change
- Notify Department of Administration
- Create List of Contacts
- Paperwork Checklist
- Accounting and other money matters
- Funding during the transition phase
- Decide how to handle accounting
- Paperwork and other details
- Transfer of cash and other liquid assets
- Develop agreements with the Friends and Foundation
- Funding for the First Year
- Accounting Checklist
- Payroll and Personnel
- Initial Decisions
- Take a class
- Notify Revenue Departments - State and Federal
- Personnel
- A note about independent contractors
- Payroll
- Payroll and Personnel Checklist
- Property and other assets
- Transfer Assets
- Obtain Insurance
- Maintenance, Repair, and Utility Costs
- Depreciation of Assets
- Assets Checklist
- The Library Board and its Duties
- Create and adopt an action plan
- Support library staff
- Adopt bylaws for the board
- Hire legal counsel
- Purchase errors and omissions insurance
- Begin work on a long range plan
- Begin adopting policies
- Adopt resolutions and a budget
- Election of board members
- Board Checklist
- Public relations and library services
- Keep the public informed
- Design a new logo and look
- Plan for new services
- Public Relations Checklist
- Reporting Requirements
- IRS Reporting
- Department of Administration Reporting
- Auditing the Library's Accountings
- Depreciate Assets
- Montana Department of Revenue Reporting
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry Reporting
- Montana Public Employees Retirement Administration
- Create an annual report for the library
- Montana State Library Reporting
- Reporting Checklist
- Conclusion
- Appendices