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.
Trustee FAQ An index to questions from library trustees on public library administration and governance, and links to articles on library law and administration relevant to public library trustees and library directors.
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.
Library Accessibility Trustees help assure that the library meets the needs of users. “Library Accessibility –What Trustees Need to Know” covers access issues that include but are not limited to patrons who have cognitive, mental, or emotional illnesses; learning and/or developmental disabilities; physical disabilities; service animals; and patrons needing assistive technologies. The toolkit is provided by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).
The Wisconsin Public Library Standards are based on the premise that all Wisconsin residents need and deserve at least a basic level of library service, and are intended to guide the budget and long-range planning efforts to provide the highest level of service possible.
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, Advocates Friends and Foundations The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF) is a division of the American Library Association (ALA) with approximately 5,000 Friends of Library, Trustee, Foundation and individual members and affiliates representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. Begun in early 2009 with the merger of Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) and ALTA, the new division brings together Trustees and Friends into a partnership that unites the voices of citizens who support libraries to create a powerful force for libraries in the 21st Century.
Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries is an ongoing, statewide effort that provides a collective voice for Wisconsin libraries of all types to promote a better understanding of how libraies contribute to the state's economic growth, education and lifelong learning, and the quality of life in Wisconsin.
Library Advocacy for Trustees Trustee Essential 13 covers what library advocates do and why are they needed, how to establish priorities for advocacy, and ways to act as an advocate.
Public Library Economic Impact Study A brochure of the social and economic benefits of Wisconsin Public Libraries from an economic impact research report produced by NorthStar Economics. For more information visit WisconsinLibraries.org.
Library Investment Calculator This economic indicator of NWLS member library services is based on per capita expenditures collected from Wisconsin's 2007 Public Library Statistics, compiled by the State Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning (DLTCL).
WLA Legislative Tips for Library Advocates General Tips for Working with Legislators ... In order to become an even stronger voice for Wisconsin libraries.
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 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development 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. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice for more public records information including The 2005 Wisconsin Attorney General's Public Records Law Compliance Outline.
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.