what every trustee should know
Library trustees have a critical role in developing quality public library service in Wisconsin. Trustees must be knowledgeable and skilled in a number of areas to do their jobs well. Fortunately, there are several good resources available to help make the task more manageable.
Wisconsin Library Trustee Resource Page The Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning trustee page includes a wealth of important information for trustees.
Trustee Essentials Wisconsin’s trustee manual is a great place for any new trustee to learn about being a trustee as well as a valuable source of answers for challenges facing library boards.
Powers and Duties of the Public Library Board The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has created a helpful outline of the powers and duties of public library boards under Wisconsin law.
Law and Legislation
Trustees should be familiar with a variety of state and federal laws affecting libraries.
Wisconsin library law Contains the text of Chapter 43, which governs public libraries in Wisconsin.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The Great Lakes Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center offers information, technical assistance, training and it can answer questions about the ADA.
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) An FAQ on CIPA created by the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The US Department of Labor offers compliance assistance for the Fair Labor Standards Act on its website.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The US Department of Labor website provides an overview of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Federal law permits states to pass laws providing more generous family and medical leave requirements to employees. The Department of Workforce Development website explains the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act and links to several good sources of information including this comparison between Wisconsin and federal Family Medical Leave Act requirements.
Patriot Act The American Library Association has a variety of information on complying with the Patriot Act and how the law affects libraries and their patrons.
Wisconsin Open Meetings Law A compliance guide written by the Wisconsin Attorney General’s office.
Wisconsin Public Records Law An FAQ written by the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning.
Legislative Status Report This site, maintained by the Wisconsin Library Association, tracks legislation affecting libraries in Wisconsin. It is regularly updated.
Regional Legislators Refer to this site for legislators representing the Northern Waters Library Service area. A Wisconsin State Legislature's search page offers maps and searches from municipality or address for legislators.
Organizations for Library Trustees and Advocates
Wisconsin Library Trustees and Advocates Open to library trustees, friends and advocates interesting in improving library service in Wisconsin. A division of the Wisconsin Library Association.
Association for Library Trustees and Advocates National organization of library trustees and advocates. A division of the American Library Association.
Friends of Libraries USA National group for library friends’ members and organizations.