Library Board Assessment

(Done individually and discussed as a board)

Instructions: Please rank the following items from 5 to 1, with 5 being “most definitely” and 1 being “no/never.”

[ ] 1. The board has a method in place for the recruitment and recommendation of trustees for open positions.
[ ] 2. The board has a method in place for new board member orientation and ongoing board member training.
[ ] 3. The board stays abreast of the financial status of the library and its funding sources.
[ ] 4. The board sets the direction for the library through planning.
[ ] 5. The board has adopted a mission statement for the library and uses it to drive planning choices.
[ ] 6. The board reviews and adopts the budget.
[ ] 7. The board adopts the budget after the annual planning is complete.
[ ] 8. The board ensures that the budget covers goals and objectives set during the planning process.
[ ] 9. The board evaluates the library director annually based on the success of set goals and/or expectations.
[ ] 10. The board feels free to communicate problems to the director in a timely manner.
[ ] 11. The board requires regular written updates from the director on progress toward the annual plan and goals.
[ ] 12. The board is familiar with state and federal laws governing libraries.
[ ] 13. The board has established bylaws to oversee its governance.
[ ] 14. The board has established clear policies to govern and guide library operations.
[ ] 15. The board continually reviews and updates the library’s policies.
[ ] 16. The board pays more attention to the ends than the means – to what will be accomplished versus how it will be done.
[ ] 17. The board safeguards the public’s First Amendment/Intellectual Freedom rights by protecting freedom of access, while also being open to the public’s comments.
[ ] 18. The board is aware of patron privacy protections under State law and ensures through its policies that patron information is kept confidential.
[ ] 19. The board is representative of the community it serves.
[ ] 20. The board is politically active, advocating for libraries in the public policy arena.
[ ] 21. The board effectively represents the library to the community.
[ ] 22. The board annually assesses its own performance.
[ ] 23. The board receives information needed to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
[ ] 24. The board allows time at each meeting for discussion of emerging issues and trends.
[ ] 25. The board encourages open discussion and expression of dissenting opinions during board meetings.
[ ] 26. The board speaks with one voice after a vote is taken.
[ ] 27. The board recognizes and thanks staff and volunteers for their accomplishments.
[ ] 28. The board projects a positive internal image.
[ ] 29. The board projects a positive external image.

If your Board has standing committees:

[ ] 31. The board is effective in using its committee structure to accomplish its work.
[ ] 32. The board has established, clear, written guidelines for committees.

Board Assessment based on material created by Douglas County (CO) libraries in conjunction with Arapahoe Library District, www.DouglasCountyLibraries.org, 2004.