Trustee Tale

By Hannah Good Zima, Outreach Coordinator Nicolet Library System Friends and Foundations have distinct roles, characteristics, and expectations in their communities. Both types of organizations engage the community to raise funds and increase awareness of the library, but they usually differ in target donor groups, messaging, and/or activities. To ensure that the Friends or Foundation […]

By John Thompson, Director – IFLS Library System One of the primary authorities granted to the Library Board is the management of the library’s budget. Your financial responsibilities are referenced in a variety of subsections within Wisconsin State Statute section 43.58. Key Statutory References Exclusively control the expenditure of all monies collected, donated or appropriated

By Rebecca Scherer, DirectorManitowoc-Calumet Library System One of the most important responsibilities of a library board is hiring a qualified library director. Equally important, however, is the board’s responsibility to evaluate the director’s performance on a regular basis. Although many public libraries receive human resources support from their municipality, the responsibility for conducting the director’s

Public libraries have long been pillars of learning, access, and community connection—but in today’s digital world, their value is sometimes questioned. As a library trustee, it’s important to be ready to address common concerns about relevance, funding, and usage.

Libraries have embraced the motto “more than just books” for decades. Whether highlighting digital collections, offering printing and faxing services, providing public computers, or delivering programs for all ages, public libraries have long understood how to meet community needs beyond physical materials.

By Hannah Good Zima, Outreach Coordinator Nicolet Library System Over the last several years, public libraries have seen a significant increase in “First Amendment audits.” These audits involve an individual’s right to film in any public building. They test that right by going into public spaces and recording videos. Based on their output, their goal

By Bradley Shipps, DirectorOutagamie Waupaca Library System There are 381 public libraries in Wisconsin with 467 local outlets, and every single one of them belongs to one of fifteen regional public library systems. System membership comes with many benefits that strengthen a local library’s ability to serve its community beyond what it can accomplish with

By Marla Sepnafski, Director, Wisconsin Valley Library System Determine Who Will Screen Applications and Conduct Interviews The board must decide who will participate in the hiring process—whether it will involve the full board, a designated board committee, municipal HR staff, library system staff, or others—and what their roles will be. Questions to clarify include: Will

By Marla Sepnafski, Director, Wisconsin Valley Library System Selecting the right person to lead a public library is one of the most important responsibilities of a library board. The director is not only responsible for managing the library but also for working collaboratively with the board, engaging with the community, and advancing library services. Because

By John Thompson, Director, IFLS Library System As a member of a public Library Board in Wisconsin, you have a unique and sometimes confusing role when it comes to the library facility. Library buildings are acquired or leased by the municipality for library purposes; however, the Library Board has exclusive charge, control and custody of