Trustee Manual: Continuing Education
Chapter 16 Continuing Education | Appendix | Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | PDF
Even the most knowledgeable and experienced library trustee needs to stay informed about new laws, new technologies, and new possibilities for library service. Library services and library policies must constantly evolve to keep pace with diverse community needs. Library leaders, including library trustees, who stay informed of these changes, will be better able to provide high-quality library service to their community.
Continuing Education at Board Meetings
Short continuing education sessions can be held during library board meetings. This is a way to reach every trustee on the board and also a way to involve the board in brainstorming or problem-solving discussions on issues that may be important to the library. Here are a few basic ideas for trustee continuing education:
- Use the chapters of this manual to conduct trustee education on a regular basis.
- Ask the library director to conduct seminars for trustees or contact the State Library for a speaker on topics such as Intellectual Freedom, Technology Planning, Collection Maintenance, Library Resources, or Internet Use Policy.
- Visit other libraries in the state and request meetings with the library director and trustees of those libraries; attend board meetings of other libraries.
- Ask an attorney to give a presentation on legal issues related to libraries and library trusteeship.
- Join the American Library Association (ALA) and the Utah Library Association (ULA). The costs for these memberships are appropriate to pay from the library's budget.
- Attend one or more library workshops or conferences annually. One of the most rewarding aspects of statewide workshops is the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with trustees from other libraries.
- State law requires your jurisdiction to conduct annual training on the Open Meetings Act (UCA 52-4-104).
UPLIFT-T
The State Library Division sponsors UPLIFT –T, The Utah Public Library Institute for Training Trustees. Annually, programs developed primarily for trustees on issues of vital interest to trustees are presented in conjunction with the annual Utah Library Association conference. State Library consultants can assist local libraries in planning and presenting trustee orientation programs.
Funding Continuing Education
When developing the annual budget, include funds for trustee memberships in associations, attendance at workshops and conferences, book purchases, and other relevant expenses. Develop guidelines for trustee and staff continuing education expenses so participants are clear about what expenses will be reimbursed and what documentation is required for accounting purposes.