Board Orientation
I. Recognize Appointments
Library board appointments are formal actions approved by the local governing body. New board members should receive a letter or other official notification from the city council or county commission that certifies their appointment and defines the length of their term on the library board. Soon after a new appointment is made, the library board president should follow up with the appointee, welcome him or her to the board, and schedule a time for an orientation. An announcement in the local newspaper and in the library’s newsletter is another way to publicly recognize that individual’s commitment to serving on the library board.
II. Orientation is Essential
Orientation for new library board members is key to making them feel comfortable and confident. The board and library benefit when new trustees are well informed and can assume an active role early in their tenure. A basic orientation would include giving the new board member an orientation packet (board member notebook) containing information about the local library and information about what it means to be a library trustee. Provide a get-acquainted tour of the library and make sure the newest member of the board has a library card.
A. Sample Materials - Orientation Packet
Local bylaws | List of board members with terms | Library organization, contacts, hours | Calendar of board meetings | Library statistics | Library budget | Long-range plan | Minutes for previous six months | Library Director’s reports for previous six months | Library brochures | History of the local library
B. Roles, Responsibilities, and Laws
- Legal Responsibilities of City and County Boards
- Roles of the Board and Library Director – discussion paper provided by Donna Jones Morris, State Librarian
- Utah Public Library Trustee Manual
- Certification Standards for Utah Public Libraries
- Library Laws
C. Orientation Tour
The library director should provide a tour of the library
and introduce the staff. This provides the director with an opportunity to tell the new board member about the accomplishments of the library and how the library could better serve the community. The director can discuss plans for the future and talk about changes facing the library and the community.
III. Maintaining Board Momentum
IV. Golden Rules for Board Members
V. Advocacy
The trustee is a link between the library and the community. Trustees must be willing to speak and act in the best interests of the library. Tips for Advocacy and Lobbying advises trustees on how to build community relationships and how to talk to elected officials.
VI. Resources for Board Training
Utah Public Library Trustee Manual – The manual is available in an online edition or a PDF file. Individual pages or the complete publication may be reproduced as needed.
State Library Consulting Service – request assistance from one of the library specialists assigned to work with your library.
Professional Literature – request books or other materials from the Library Science Professional Development collection housed at the State Library. Search the Online Catalog and request materials through interlibrary loan.