Session 1 - Discussion Questions

Please be prepared to discuss these questions in class:

1. How would you define "a well-managed library?"  How do you think your board would define it?
2. How can a board be assured that a library is, in fact, being well managed?
3. In a word or phrase, describe the city's role in the library's operations -- the board's role -- the director's role -- the staff's role.  What are the potential areas of overlapping responsibilities?  What can you do to make sure everyone understands their roles?
4. What are some reasons library boards have as much authority as they do?
5. What role(s) can the board play in contributing to good staff morale?
6. What topics do you include in the orientation of your board?  If you have no board orientation, what would you include? 
7. What stands out to you in the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association?  (See p. 2 of the Iowa Public Library Director’s Handbook.)
8. What is your relationship with other libraries in the state?  How much–and what type–of interlibrary activity does your library engage in?