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Library Trustees Complete Unique New Training Program

NEWS RELEASE
April 10, 2008

For further information contact:
Judy Hoffman, (847) 353-7137

jhoffman@nsls.info

Sharing a common belief that knowledgeable trustees make for better libraries, ten suburban Chicago library trustees have completed the inaugural North Suburban Library System (NSLS) Trustee Certification Program.

The trustees that received certification were: Kathryn Caudill, Christopher Stachowiak, Dennis Rossow, all from the Ela Area Public Library District; Nancy Heggem, Jill Jensen, both from the Palatine Public Library District; Kathy Berman, Prospect Heights Public Library; Victoria Haines, St. Charles Public Library; Stephanie Smith, Zion-Benton Public Library District; Ellen Young, Lake Forest Library; Judy Zager, Glencoe Public Library. The trustees were recognized for their accomplishments at the annual NSLS Membership Awards Banquet.

“Conversations between public library directors and trustees have highlighted the need for high quality, consistent, and ongoing trustee training,” said Sarah Long, NSLS executive director. “The role of trustee may seem rather clear-cut, but upon assuming their office, many people realize they don’t really know what the job requires. While public library directors provide training for their board, often trustees feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities, and desire more information and instruction.”

Long tapped NSLS Public Library Liaison Anna Yackle to manage the research and development of the training program. Her first step was to create a trustee training task force, consisting of three library directors and three trustees. They worked together to create a comprehensive vision of what tools and training trustees need to effectively perform their obligations.

The backbone of the Trustee Certification Program is a nine course core curriculum. Topics covered include conducting effective meetings, complying with library law, and deciphering budgets, tax caps, and taxes. Trustees in the program are also expected to complete a number of core activities which include participating in a library conference, attending a state or national advocacy event, attending another library’s board meeting, and writing an article or giving a public presentation about their library. The trustees or their entire boards can select and achieve one of three levels of certification.

“I deeply respect the work of trustees and appreciate all the time and energy they donate to their institution,” said Yackle. “I realize that the certification program requires an even larger time commitment from the trustees, but I’m confident that they will not only be able to do a better job, but also have a more enjoyable service experience.”

Tools created to provide continued support for libraries include a comprehensive website (www.nsls.info/trustees) that provides easy access to useful links to resources that provide essential information on library law and standards, budget issues, and filing deadlines. The Illinois State Library awarded NSLS an LSTA grant to produce two 15 minute training sessions. One segment is on the Open Meetings Act and the other is on the Model Ethics Ordinance. Many libraries have presented the segments at board meetings.

Located in Wheeling, Illinois, the North Suburban Library System (www.nsls.info) is one of nine multi-type library systems funded through the Illinois State Library.