Trustees Serve a Great Purpose for STLS Member Libraries

Dividing my time equally between library trustees and library directors can sometimes be my greatest challenge. But when done successfully, it turns out to be one of my greatest rewards. I was fortunate to spend a few hours with many STLS library trustees this week.

Monday evening marked a new partnership for Southern Tier Library System with the Library Trustee Association of New York State (LTA). The partnership has been in existence for several years, but nothing truly formal has been done to confirm the relationship between both organizations. Through the leadership of Phil Archer, LTA trustee and representative from STLS, and Denise King, STLS board president, Continuing Crucial Connections was a successful event for our region.

More than 65 trustees attended the Continuing Crucial Connections workshop, which took place at the Fred and Harriett Taylor Memorial Library in Hammondsport. Most trustees were from STLS member libraries, but there were also trustees from five other library systems. In addition to some good speakers, the evening provided trustees the chance to network and build upon existing relationships.

Cassie Guthrie was the evening’s first speaker, and she discussed the fundamentals of trustee roles and responsibilities. She also provided some great insight on how to hire a new library director. She made it clear when a new director is needed; it is worth investing in your new community leader as opposed to taking advantage of the situation to reduce personnel costs. She states, “The library director is the face of your library, so it is important you recruit someone who is going to represent your library to the best of their abilities.” She also hammered home the idea, “polices are essential for public library best practices. The role of trustees is to secure sustainable funds, develop policies for proper public library administration, plan strategically and hire a quality library director.”

Conrad Wolan was the second speaker of the evening. Most of his presentation focused on the structure of the legal system both federally and within New York State. He used this structure to frame a conversation about how library trustees can handle specific situations pertaining to policy development. Some great policy examples included, Library Meeting Room, Conflict of Interest and Whistleblower. He also provided insight on how trustees can carry out successful board meetings using Open Meeting Law. His overall sentiment for trustees was, “It depends.” (A little inside joke, and you had to be there to understand).

There was a lot of work that went into putting on this event. Such is the case for all STLS workshops, so I hope I don’t leave anyone out. I want to thank the LTA and STLS Planning Committee, which was served by Robert M. Presutti, LTA President (Nioga Library System), Patricia Fontanella, LTA Vice President (Westchester Library System), Martha Anderson, LTA Trustee (Rampo Catskill Library System), Philip Archer, LTA Trustee (Southern Tier Library System) and Denise King, STLS President (Southern Tier Library System.

Additionally, I want to thank Marsha Watson, library director of the Taylor Memorial Library, and her husband Rick for all their help. Marsha went over and beyond to make it a special evening, and we certainly appreciate the Hammondsport library board of trustees for allowing us to use their facilities.

Lastly, I want to thank the 65 plus trustees who took time out of their day to participate. Serving on a library board can be a gratifying position. However, there are times when it is not easy. Library boards are fiscally and legally responsible for their institutions. At the end of the day, their decisions determine how long the front doors stay open, and how well the library is perceived once community members enter those doors.

Continuing education is important to the role and responsibilities of trustees. When trustees participate and act upon continuing education, we as a System are in a better position to offer quality library services. STLS member library trustees are fantastic people. And, in my professional experience I am very lucky to serve a group who cares so much about their libraries and communities.

Presentation slides from Monday’s event will be added to the STLS website next week. In the meantime, trustees can visit our website for additional Trustee Resources, or the State Library Website to view other trustee-specific presentations.

Have a great July 18th and 19th STLS member libraries. We appreciate all you do!