More of the same

Yes, I'm re-running a previous post.
Since this post, Pennsylvania has dropped to 47th in the nation with regards to local support.
As libraries struggle to do even more with even less (money, staff, resources, hours), their directors don't have the "luxury" of picking up the slack of an inactive library board. Library boards have an important role in sustainability. Boards that do nothing or spend all of their time trying to do the library director's job are partially to blame for the local support ranking.

If there are any doubts the role, duties, & responsibilities of a library's board, please consult the PA Trustee Manual.


Your Library's Board: More Important Now Than Ever...

In light of what is happening all around us (at both the state and local level), it is more important now than ever that you ACTIVELY recruit and appoint talented, dedicated, pro-active board members. Let me clarify. I did not say micromanaging. I did not say the next door neighbor of your board secretary because she can make the meetings. I did not say board members that "nay-say" libraries or intellectual freedom. And, don't use the excuse "our township appoints, we don't have a say so". YES YOU DO!

By now, you should have a working relationship with your funding bodies (of all shapes and sizes). Your board members should also be out in the community connecting with your townships & municipalities (read community stakeholders). When a board opening is available, pay them a visit with a copy of your board member job description. Talk about the future needs of the library. Better yet, have the names of two or three residents of that service area to recommend as their appointment. Talk about why you think they would be a good fit and the talents they bring to the board room that can help the library move forward. What have you got to lose? Better an "active" roll than just sitting back and seeing what you get.

Right now is the time to have a great library board! And, regardless of their appointing municipality, when they walk into that board room their number one priority is the library: ensuring that quality library services continue to meet the needs of your local community. And, when they leave that board room, they are to be a positive representation of the library, the board (and its decisions) and an advocate within your community.

Your board should represent your community. And, that means diverse ages and backgrounds. "Effective boards are composed of committed individuals with a broad range of complementary talents." Complementary skills and talents include: financial management, legal issues, relationship building and fundraising, negotiations/mediation, public speaking, PR/Marketing, human resources management, lobbying/advocacy, technology, construction. (Commonwealth Libraries, Trustee Toolkit, Chapter 2, Board Basics)

Pennsylvania ranks 46th in the nation with regards to local operating revenue per capita. The 2007 summary of public library revenue in Pennsylvania shows the average local government support to be 59%. What is your library's funding percentages? Is state aid a higher percentage than local government?

As we begin the new decade of 2010, now is the time to get your board on-target and organized for the future of your library. Get your board members out of the board room and into the community lobbying and advocating. But, don't just "turn them loose". Educate them on a common message. Educate them on the current funding structure. Educate them on the services being used by your community. Talk to them about the industry "myths" and give them the answers to dispel those myths. Is there a "void" in the community that the library can fill. Now is the time to think strategically and to plan.

Don't wait for a local "hero" or benefactor, don't wait for a local legislator, don't wait for a new administration...And, don't wait until "life support" is needed!