Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook 

Public libraries have played a key role in Massachusetts' cultural and economic development for more than one hundred and fifty years. Libraries serve as a focus for intellectual growth, research and learning for people of all ages. Through libraries, cities and towns provide collective access to books and other resources which no individual could hope to afford.

The public library is a center of lifelong learning for everyone in the community, providing access to the ideas of the past and the present, as citizens determine their futures. Information is organized, collected and disseminated with the goal of providing free and public access for every person regardless of age, race, physical ability, gender, or creed. The Institution of the public library serves the noble role of the great equalizer, allowing all citizens the opportunity to improve their lives through self-education.

As we enter the 21st century, libraries must continue to serve as intellectual and cultural centers for their communities by maintaining strong collections of books and periodicals. At the same time, they must also provide access to an expanding world of information and keep pace with changes in information technology. It is clear that libraries can and will play a critical role in preparing Massachusetts residents to meet the challenges of the future.

A library board of trustees, in some communities referred to as a board of directors, is a group of citizen volunteers to whom the governing of a public library is entrusted. Board members are the vital link between the library and the community. Trustees are library advocates and leaders in developing service willingly, responsibly and creatively for all members of the public.

Each trustee brings to the board certain strengths: skills, talents and personal experience which uniquely serve the library. Expert knowledge in a professional or technical discipline is valuable for specific undertakings. Some boards must rely almost entirely on their members for advice in such fields as construction, law and finance. Conversely, others may make extensive use of consultants, advisory boards or volunteers.

The board as a whole should represent a broad spectrum of the community. A board consisting of diverse viewpoints assures that the library will serve the total community. Certain competencies necessary to accomplish the board's goals should, ideally, be present in the total composition of the board. Issues and decisions involved in the administration of the modern public library are varied and complex.

Successful trusteeship creates a working relationship with the community, library staff and fellow trustees. Trustees take their responsibilities as public officials beyond the library board room. An effective trustee is one who participates intelligently in the entire political process: understanding municipal finance, local budgetary pressures, personnel concerns, and the administrative practices of the municipality as a whole. A library board which recognizes that the library is not an island, but part of a larger municipal structure, will build stronger partnerships within the community it serves.

What constitutes an effective Board?

An effective public library board of trustees consists of informed and dedicated citizens representing a cross-section of the population who govern the library for the benefit of the community. The board fulfills ethical, legal and fiduciary responsibilities by:

Collectively, a Board of Trustees should have: