Appendix A - Role of the Trustee vs. The Role of the Library Director

The distinction should be clear that the role of the Trustees is to make policy and the role of the Director is to implement policy. The roles of each are further outlined below.

The Trustee's Role

1. Writes, reviews, and approves the bylaws of the library and the library board of trustees.
2. Writes, reviews, and approves policies for operating the library.
3. Hires, evaluates, disciplines, or dismisses the library director.
4. Defines personnel policies including job descriptions, salary structures, grievance procedures, and benefits.
5. Ensures that the library receives its fair share of available resources from its funding authority.
6. Conducts fund-raising activities beyond the public support from tax revenue.
7. Sets and approves along with the library director the annual budget.
8. Manages library funds and evaluates and reviews investments at least on a semi-annual basis.
9. Works with the library director to establish long-range plans for services and operations for the library.
10. Works with the library director in developing library partnerships, cooperatives, and networks on the local, regional, state and national level.
11. Promotes the library throughout the community and develops a planned public relations program.
12. Knows local and state laws and actively supports library legislation at the state and national levels.
13. Attends regional, state, and national trustee meetings and workshops and affiliates with professional organizations.
14. Keeps on top of library standards and library trends.

The Library Director's Role

1. Plans, organizes and directs a balanced program of library services to serve all people in the community.
2. Formulates and recommends policies to the library board and acts as technical advisor to the board.
3. Hires, fires, evaluates and disciplines all staff members.
4. Supervises staff, manages personnel duties and time, and implements policy.
5. Maintains the physical facilities.
6. Prepares an annual budget for the library in consultation with the board.
7. Makes the day-to-day decisions on how the budgeted money is to be spent.
8. Recommends and administers public relations and marketing programs.
9. Represents the library and speaks before community, civic and other groups regarding the objectives and activities of the library.
10. Affiliates with state and national professional organizations and attends meetings and workshops.
11. Provides professional development opportunities for staff.
12. Prepares regular reports detailing current progress and future needs of the library.