Course Information
| Session |
|---|
| Credits | 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs |
|---|---|
| Registration dates | We accept registrations through the first week of classes, unless enrollment is full, and unless the class was canceled before it started due to low enrollment. |
Becoming a Public Library Trustee: What You Need to Know
$200.00
Dates: March 4 - March 31Credits: 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs
The public library’s job is to provide the best access to information and support for literacy and learning in the community. But what is the job of the library trustee? The most important job for a public library board of trustees is to make sure the library has the resources and support it needs to fulfill its mission. This means making sure there is adequate budget for operations, that strategic plans are in place and being implemented, that appropriate policies are in place to manage library operations, that risk is anticipated and planned for, and – most of all—that the library has a strong, visible advocate in the community. This four-week course provides a practical introduction to these duties of the trustee, as well as how to work effectively with the library director, how to understand and design good policy, how to conduct board meetings effectively, and how to evaluate that effectiveness. Practical exercises, real-life examples, and resources will demystify library governance and enable new board members to hit the ground running.
Course Description
The public library’s job is to provide the best access to information and support for literacy and learning in the community. But what is the job of the library trustee? The most important job for a public library board of trustees is to make sure the library has the resources and support it needs to fulfill its mission. This means making sure there is adequate budget for operations, that strategic plans are in place and being implemented, that appropriate policies are in place to manage library operations, that risk is anticipated and planned for, and – most of all—that the library has a strong, visible advocate in the community. This four-week course provides a practical introduction to these duties of the trustee, as well as how to work effectively with the library director, how to understand and design good policy, how to conduct board meetings effectively, and how to evaluate that effectiveness. Practical exercises, real-life examples, and resources will demystify library governance and enable new board members to hit the ground running.
Jennifer Sweeney
Jennifer Sweeney is a management planning and evaluation consultant for libraries, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, and a lecturer at the Information School, San Jose State University. With a background of 18 years as a professional librarian, she has logged over 20 years of evaluation research in library program planning, process analysis, strategic and facilities planning, environmental action, diversity, literacy, and human services support. Dr. Sweeney’s research has included numerous studies on library program impact and quality, and educational program outcomes for minority and disadvantaged populations. She was the 2010 recipient of the American Library Association Diversity Research Grant, awarded to support a national study of library services to juveniles in detention. Her book, Literacy: A Way Out for At-Risk Youth (Libraries Unlimited, 2011) explores the challenges facing libraries serving juveniles in detention. Dr. Sweeney earned her MSLS at Catholic University and her PhD in Information Studies at UCLA. She is a trained facilitator in ToP (Technology of Participation) and the Leadership Challenge methods.
How to Register
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