Library Trustees

The Basics

• "Since a public library belongs to its entire community, library boards have been created by law to act as citizen control or governing body of the library.  Library trustees are public officials and servants of the public, and the powers delegated to library boards are a public trust."  (Young, Virginia, The Library Trustee:  A Practical Guide, American Library Association, Chicago, 1995: 10)
• Most of Iowa's public library boards have "administrative authority".  Boards typically have the authority to hire and evaluate the library director; adopt policies for the library; shift funds from one line item to another in the library's budget; approve library expenditures and more.  See trustee job description below.
  
• One of the best things you can do as a trustee is to read your library ordinance.  
• Changing the make-up, manner of selection or authority of a library board must be done through a referendum (Iowa Code, Section 392.5).   For more information, see the Iowa Library Trustee's Handbook. 

Iowa Library Trustee's Handbook

• Published by the State Library to give trustees a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power.
• Contains useful, practical information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws and many other topics.
• Latest edition is 2003 (see below); print your own copy or order one for $5.00 each by e-mailing Fran Fessler.
  

Electronic Mail List - Trustees

• Receive via e-mail, library news, trustee workshop announcements, and information on topics of interest to library board members.  Sponsored by the State Library.
• Subscribe or unsubscribe at any time by completing requested information at http://lists.silo.lib.ia.us/mailman/listinfo/trustees