Public Libraries Are Government
Economist Adam Smith, who authored the Wealth of Nations, believed government’s role was to maintain defense, infrastructure and education. Public libraries are government institutions even though libraries sometimes view their organizations as too small to be lumped in with government.
I think this misperception stems from the way other governments have become quite convoluted. Public librarianship is quite simple. Our job is to provide everyone in our community with educational, social, technological, and cultural services. We do our best to fit these elements into or mission with very limited resources. Other governments face complex challenges that have naturally surfaced through society’s evolution. Honestly, despite the Information Age, the role of public libraries has never changed.
Earlier this week, STLS Board of Trustees conducted their annual organizational meeting. At this meeting, newly appointed trustees took their Oaths of Office, all trustees completed their Disclosure of Interest Forms, the Slate of Officers were voted upon and approved, and resolutions were passed to ensure proper internal fiscal controls throughout the year.
These actions aren’t just something required of library system boards. They are measures required of all public libraries.
Regarding Oaths of Office, trustees of municipal, school district and special legislative district libraries are required to file an oath of office specified under the NY State Constitution. (See page 22 of the Handbook for Library Trustees – 2015 Edition). Association libraries are not required to file, but the State Comptroller might view this as a best practice since association libraries manage public monies.
A Disclosure of Interest Form, which accompanies a Conflict of Interest Policy, is required of all libraries under NY State’s Non-Profit Revitalization Act. This includes association libraries. (See page 39 of the Handbook for Library Trustees – 2015 Edition). Library directors along with other paid administrative officials should also participate in this annual exercise as they have a vested interest in library operations.
Lastly, a Slate of Officers is to be presented and voted upon at an annual reorganization meeting. (See page 23 of the Handbook for Library Trustees – 2015 Edition). These officers are charged to serve for one year under the duties prescribed within the library’s bylaws. By electing officers, the library board is establishing an executive committee that will assist the library director in carrying out the library’s mission.
This year’s STLS officers are: President Denise King (Chemung County), Vice President Pat Selwood (Yates County), Treasurer Pat Finnerty (Steuben County) and Secretary Cindy Emmer (Chemung County).
Our STLS board also appointed three new board members: SiSi Barr (Chemung County), Betsy Gorman (Chemung County) and Edward Pekarek (Allegany County). Dale Wexell was reappointed for another term to represent Steuben County specifically Southeast Steuben County Library’s service area.
Trustees continuing their terms include Richard Ahola ( Yates County), Sarah Collins (Steuben County – Southeast Steuben County Library services area, Lynnette Decker (Allegany County), Maija DeRoche (Schuyler County), Gaile Felli (Schuyler County), Bonnie Weber (Steuben County) and Alfred Yanda (Allegany County).
I truly appreciate the support of these individuals. I am fortunate our board has established the policies and infrastructure to conduct transparent library system operations. This board is really engaged and works tirelessly to serve the greater needs of our member libraries.
There are over 300 trustees representing member libraries in the Southern Tier. Each and every one of them has the ability and power to shape public library services. We may not always see ourselves as government entities, but it is important we act in accordance with government practices.
I have had the pleasure of meeting most of our library trustees. I am inspired by their actions and their stories. It is refreshing to know there are hundreds of people in our greater community who truly care about the state of public libraries, and are willing to dedicate their time free of charge.
There is nothing wrong with being lumped in with government. If anything, it provides us the opportunity to show how efficiently government can work when done right. It is a responsibility and privilege.
Enjoy your time with family and friends this weekend. Thank you, STLS for your continued support and selfless efforts.
Kindest Regards,
Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System
Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog
