The Complete Library Trustee Handbook

Give your trustees the tools needed to translate their experiences and interests into strong results on behalf of their libraries. Current executive director of the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF) and former public library director Sally Gardner Reed draws on her years of success leading Friends of Libraries USA to provide trustees with straightforward, easy-to-read, guidance on how to make the most of their vital role. She guides readers through important issues including sustainable fundraising and advocacy, hiring and evaluating a library director, strategic planning, director-trustee collaboration, and policy development. There is also an extensive examination of the library director's role, with advice for managing staff, determining service strategies, managing budgets, implementing policies and reporting to the board. Readers of The Complete Library Trustee Handbook will be brought up to speed on optimizing board effectiveness, board ethics issues, conflicts of interests, and efficient meeting management, and a chapter on key issues for libraries addresses intellectual freedom, user privacy, pay equity for library workers, privatization of public libraries, and funding.

This volume for new and experienced library trustees is divided into seven chapters and covers such topics as fund-raising, advocacy, and fiduciary responsibility; the role of the trustee; planning; policies; key issues; and effective practices. This text offers clear, reasoned explanations; sample forms; questions to guide the discussions; and resources for further study. The appendixes include essential documents, such as the Library Bill of Rights and ALA's resolution on the reauthorization of the Patriot Act. The authors (the executive director and the marketing specialist for the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations) bring considerable experience in public libraries and writing. The handbook is practical, covers board responsibilities, and helps public libraries with different types of governance. A useful tool for both trustees and library staff. --Patricia Hogan