Session 1 - Public Library Boards and Governance

Public libraries in 49 of our 50 states have boards of trustees, with varying degrees of authority (Hawaii is the exception).  Most of Iowa’s public library boards have the type of authority referred to as "administrative authority."  This type of authority is granted to public libraries in Iowa by virtue of two documents, namely the Code of Iowa, Chapter  392.5 and the local library ordinance.  As administrative boards, Iowa public library boards have the power to:

• hire and evaluate the library director, determining salaries and compensation for the director and the library staff;
• establish the library’s line item budget within the funding limits established by the city councils;
• oversee the spending and approve the library’s expenditures;
• develop and adopt policies for the library’s operation;
  engage in active short-term and long-range planning for the library’s future;
• exercise general oversight and governance of the library’s operation

Critical to a progressive and successful library is an active, well-informed, and well-structured library board.  Equally important is the relationship between the board and the library director, a relationship of mutual respect and honest communication.  Both must clearly understand their roles and responsibilities.  Boards of trustees must understand their role in library governance, exercise their authority by state and local statute, and accept their responsibility for overseeing library operations.  This class session will focus on the role of the trustees in ensuring quality library management and services. 

Learning Objectives for Session 1:

• To be familiar with your local library ordinance
• To understand the basics of Iowa's Open Meeting laws
• To understand the roles of the library board and the director
• To understand the following standards, as listed in In Service To Iowa:
1. Standards 1-10 (p. 6-7)
2. Standards 15-17 (p. 8)
3. Standard 20 (p. 9)
4. Standard 55 (p. 19)
5. Standard 64 (p. 21)

Assignments for class:

• Reading assignment
• Written assignment
• Additional reading and resources
• Discussion questions for class
• Web board discussion question