The new Trustee Handbook urges all boards to take board development seriously. From understanding the new law related to trustee education requirements to more deliberate orientation and onboarding for new trustees, support for members of your board is critical to their success and therefore the success of your library. The chapter also contains an expanded
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Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director & Co-Author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State is a monthly installment where Rebekkah will answer your questions! Feel free to submit your question here or contact Rebekkah at rsmith@midhudson.org with the subject line: AMA Trustee Question.
How people receive and interpret information in today’s media-saturated world requires boards to put more energy and fundings towards public relations and advocacy work. The chapter on Public Relations & Advocacy is much more detailed, delving into issues around reputation management and crisis communications for the first time in the Handbooks’ history. Trustee responsibilities are
The Technology chapter was greatly changed from the last edition to address issues surrounding digital equity, inclusion, and justice as well as the importance of staff training in light of the new minimum standards for association and public libraries. Also discussed in the chapter are the realities for budgeting for technology in a way that
The Access to Library Services chapter was completely overhauled to help trustees view their governance work through the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. It provides clear examples including facility, service development, and board recruitment considerations.Trustee responsibilities are small in number but broad in scope. This monthly Bulletin feature is designed to point out
Check out the Planning and Evaluation chapter to learn more about the components of a strong strategic plan document. The chapter explains the difference between a mission and vision statement; clarifies how to best use goals, objectives to structure activities for success; and helps position discussions about strategy before identifying the tactics that will bring
An engaged and active library board plays a big role in making a library successful at delivering services to its community. Does your board excel at community outreach and advocacy? Do your trustees show leadership within their community to help the library move forward? If you have or are on a board of trustees that
Many library trustee terms began on July 1. This is an important reminder that New York State Public Officer’s Law §10 requires all public library trustees (but not association library trustees) to take and file an oath of office within 30 days of beginning their term. Public library trustees are public officers and the oath
Hiring a New Director: New in the appendices is a breakdown of the steps for hiring a new director. From creating a Hiring Plan to the role of the search committee to advertising for the position, this section shares legal considerations as well as best practices to help guide your board through this opportunity for
Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director & Co-Author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State is a monthly installment where Rebekkah will answer your questions! Feel free to submit your question here or contact Rebekkah at rsmith@midhudson.org with the subject line: AMA Trustee Question. Q: When there is a separately incorporated Friends of the
