Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook
| Chapter 2. Board Organization | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
Table of Contents
Every library board should have its own written set of bylaws: the framework, rules and regulations covering the meetings and operation of the board. Bylaws should be drafted and revised as needed so as not to conflict with any local, state or federal laws or regulations. Be aware that some libraries do not have bylaws that are specific to the library: instead, they use the laws laid out in their municipal charter, act of special legislation, or original municipal articles of incorporation. Trustees should each have his/her own copy of all the bylaws and rules which govern their library. It is each trustee's responsibility to read and familiarize him/herself with the library's governing documents.
Bylaws include:
-
Name of the organization
-
Purpose and objective
-
Constituency served
-
Method of board and officer selection, duties, appointments and term
-
Time, place and responsibility for regular meeting
-
Attendance requirements
-
Method for calling special meetings
-
What constitutes a quorum
-
Appointment and duties of standing committees. Standing committees may include:
| Executive committee |
| Budget and finance |
| Personnel |
| Buildings and equipment |
| Legal issues |
| Library development and planning |
| Policy |
| Publicity and public relations |
| Legislative |
-
Provision for special committees
-
Required reports and yearly timetables
-
Provision for amending the bylaws
-
Provision that any motion dealing with policy or regulation must be continued over for final decision at a subsequent meeting
-
Provision for filling vacancies
-
Removal/replacement of trustees
-
Provision for recourse to Robert's Rules of Order, revised edition for procedural matters not covered in the bylaws
|
 |
|
| Who Does What? |  |
Types of Library Boards in Massachusetts |