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Library Trustees

Trustee Basics

Trustee Handbook 2014 ed.

  • Most Iowa public library boards have the authority to hire and evaluate the library director; adopt library policies; shift budget funds from one line item to another; 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.
  • State law requires public library boards of trustees to be gender-balanced

Link to the online version of the Iowa Library Trustee's Handbook, 2014

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.
  • Click here or on the image above to download and print your own copy.

Board Orientation

In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, Standard #14 (Tier 1) states, "The library director conducts an orientation program for new board members."  Use the resources on the left to orient your board.

LibraryTalk Forum - Trustees

  • Receive discussions via e-mail, discuss library industry news, trustee workshop announcements, and information on topics of interest to library board members. Sponsored by the State Library.
  • Get started with LibraryTalk at https://lt.silo.lib.ia.us/.
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