Trustees

Public library board members volunteer their time and expertise, and sometimes their advocacy skills and their money. In appreciation of their support and commitment to libraries, here are some sites to help meet their special needs. Issues such as running meetings, hiring a director, complying with state law and regulations, approving a budget, are all concerns that trustees of non-profit organizations much address.

Trustee Training Program

Upper Hudson offers on-site workshops that can be scheduled at a date and time convenient for the Board's members.

Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State

The purpose of this handbook is to help guide the actions of public library trustees in New York State and to give them the information they need to provide the best possible library service to their communities. It offers advice on both the philosophy of governing a library and on the practical aspects of fulfilling the duties of a trustee. It is designed to be placed in a three-ring binder so that updated information can be added, which is as clear an indication as any that libraries and library services are changing rapidly and are likely to continue to do so in the future.

New York State Library Division of Library Development

The Division of Library Development develops, strengthens and improves library services through grant programs and advisory services, including telephone consultation, regional and Board/Council meetings and site visits. Library Development coordinates chartering (incorporation) and registration (approval) of public libraries, collects and disseminates information about all types of libraries and library use and operates a public librarian certification program. Library Development operates 25 statewide grant programs for library systems and local libraries which support over 1,500 projects delivering library services to all of New York's local communities. The Library Development team's leadership and advisory services help New York's 23 public library systems, nine reference and research library resources systems, 42 school library systems and thousands of local libraries to deliver easily accessible services.

Libraries For The Future

Libraries for the Future, founded in 1994 as a national advocacy organization for those who use public libraries, engages in three main lines of activity: education, advocacy, and the operation of a national network of ACCESS demonstration projects.

NonProfit Expert

Although this is mostly a website of links to other websites, there is worthwhile information to be had, with a little patience, on subjects such as how to become tax-exempt, defining a mission statement, getting someone to give a major gift, and even a template for by-laws. The section on fund-raising is particularly comprehensive.

TrusteE-Training

A series of online instructional modules for public library trustees,
covering Roles and Responsibilities, Successful Board Meetings, Developing
Library Policies, and Intellectual Freedom. There is also a glossary and a
list of valuable resources.