Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and special guests for this fun and informative series! For each session, trustees are encouraged to read a chapter of the Trustee Handbook and send in questions that the authors will address during each session.
Trustees from all public library systems in New York State are welcome. Library Directors from across the state are welcome to attend as well. The Mid-Hudson Library System is an approved trustee education provider in the eyes of New York State. All trustee events offered by the Mid-Hudson Library System are eligible under the New York State Trustee Education Requirements.
Non-MHLS Member Library Trustees will not be issued a MHLS Certificate of Attendance but can use the Self-Assurance Reporting Form found on the NYS Division of Library Development’s web site.
2023 Sessions:
Strategic Planning (Tuesday, August 15, 2023 | 5:00-6:30pm) REGISTER
Is your library facility completely accessible to folks with physical disabilities? If not, do you have a policy that makes it clear how folks of all abilities can access all library services equitably?
Has your board adopted an environmental sustainability policy to ensure everything from how the facility is cleaned to how renovations and expansions are designed takes into consideration the natural environment and the environment in which library workers and patrons experience your library facility?
Has your board engaged in scenario planning to prepare for significant severe weather events or major disruptions such as extended power outages?
Has your board engaged a firm to conduct an energy audit of the facility?
Is your library facility completely accessible to folks with physical disabilities? If not, do you have a policy that makes it clear how folks of all abilities can access all library services equitably?
Has your board adopted an environmental sustainability policy to ensure everything from how the facility is cleaned to how renovations and expansions are designed takes into consideration the natural environment and the environment in which library workers and patrons experience your library facility?
Has your board engaged in scenario planning to prepare for significant severe weather events or major disruptions such as extended power outages?
Has your board engaged a firm to conduct an energy audit of the facility?
Does your board have an up-to-date Conflict of Interest policy which includes the requirement that all trustees sign a disclosure form annually?
Has your board adopted a Code of Ethics?
Does your board have an anti-nepotism policy?
Has the board recently reviewed its collection development policy and challenge of library materials form and procedure?
Does the library’s collection development policy reflect the principles of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement?
Trustee Handbook Book Club: Open Meetings Law with Kristin O’Neill, Committee on Open Government (Tuesday, February 21, 2023) | Recording Available Here