Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook 

Keeps the board operating effectively, while working well with all board members and other key contacts.

Works closely and cooperatively with the library director.

Serves as diplomatic troubleshooter to identify potential problems and issues which require advance board study and action.

Never loses sight of the fact that the chairperson is only one member of the board, not empowered alone to set policy for the board or the library.

Graciously walks a delicate line between front stage and back stage, doing and delegating, silent and speaking, pushing and pulling, persisting and praising, listening and leading.

Carrying all the workload for the board is not necessarily the mark of a good chairperson. To ensure that all board members contribute and are given due credit is a greater challenge and accomplishment.

The chairperson is the chief spokesperson representing the board both orally and in correspondence.

Plans and presides over board meetings. The chairperson is responsible for advance, written agenda; plans and conducts meetings to assure productive sessions which steadily move the board toward its internal goals and objectives as well as the library goals and objectives. The chairperson's knowledge of, and commitment to, parliamentary procedure, plus an understanding of group dynamics, can make the difference between a meeting which keeps the discussion focused on the major action issues to be considered, or a rambling, semi-social session.

Appoints committees for specific assignments. Exerts care in selecting as committee chairs, board members who have commitment and ability to lead a committee to reach the board's assigned objective within the assigned time. The wise board chairperson recognizes and utilizes any special expertise which potential committee members may have. The chairperson monitors the progress of the committee and provides help if needed, yet is careful not to dominate. Some board chairpersons serve as ex-officio members of all committees except the nominating committee.

Some boards limit the chairperson's term of office to one year, to facilitate rotation of leadership responsibilities. This creates a stronger board and lessens the potential for one person to dominate the board.

The commitment and leadership abilities of the person the board elects as vice chairperson should be similar to those of chairperson.

The vice chairperson automatically becomes the chairperson in the event of resignation or death unless the bylaws provide otherwise. If the vice chairperson does not want to assume the office of chairperson, he must resign unless the bylaws provide otherwise.

Presides in the absence of the chairperson or whenever the chairperson temporarily vacates the position.

In the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson is not an ex-officio member of any committee; cannot fill vacancies in cases in which the bylaws state that such vacancies be filled by chairperson.

Issues and posts for public notice advance agendas of meetings following specific legal requirements for open meetings.

Prepares the official board minutes and keeps on public file.

Keeps member attendance record.

Presides at meetings in absence of chairperson and vice-chairperson until election of a chair pro tem.

Handles all official correspondence on behalf of the board.

Understands financial accounting.

Serves as chairperson of the board finance committee.

Works with the library director to insure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis.

Assists the library director in preparing the annual budget and presenting the budget to the board for approval.

Reviews the annual audit and answers board members' questions about the audit.