Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook
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Chapter 1. Becoming a Trustee |  |
Board members must serve staggered terms in order to provide continuity of service. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, section 10, elected trustees serve three-year terms. Most appointed trustees also serve three-year terms. If a vacancy occurs prior to the expiraiton of a trustee's term, board and municipal bylaws should be consulted and the position filled in accordance with them. Usually a new trustee is appointed to complete the unexpired term.
How long should a trustee serve?
No trustee should serve on the board indefinitely, no matter how dedicated and no matter how effective the trustee is. Continuity of service provides the wisdom of experience, but change provides the essential infusion of new ideas. Both are needed. It is the responsibility of board members to recruit and encourage qualified potential trustees.
There are many ways a former trustee may continue to contribute to the library organization:
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Help raise funds
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Join a committee
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Volunteer for a short-term or long-term project
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Participate in a one-time event or project
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Provide positive public relations by continuing to be a good spokesperson and positive advocate for the library
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Offer occasional expertise in areas such as law, finance, or public relations
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Become an active member of the Friends of the Library.
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| Types of Boards |  |
Orientation of New Trustees |