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Pennsylvania Libraries

Pennsylvania Libraries. Introduction. Many people, offices and governing bodies are involved in creating, maintaining and improving library service in Pennsylvania. Inform citizens Break down barriers Level the playing field Value the individual Nourish creativity Open kids’ minds.

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Pennsylvania Libraries

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  1. Pennsylvania Libraries

  2. Introduction Many people, offices and governing bodies are involved in creating, maintaining and improving library service in Pennsylvania.

  3. Inform citizens Break down barriers Level the playing field Value the individual Nourish creativity Open kids’ minds Return high dividends Build communities Make families friendlier Offend everyone Offer sanctuary Preserve the past Libraries are good for the Commonwealth because they… George M. Eberhart, The Whole Library Handbook 3. Chicago: ALA, 2000, pp. 9-11

  4. Overview • Governance – six entities • Four dimensions of library service • Role of a trustee • Additional resources

  5. Lesson Objective • Describe how public libraries are organized • Define the special role of trustees By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  6. 1. General Assembly • Establishes legal framework • Appropriates funds for state library • Provides state aid

  7. 2. Department of Education oversees:

  8. 3. The Office of Commonwealth Libraries • Bureau of State Library • Bureau of Library Development which includes:

  9. 4. Bureau of State Library • One of four statewide resource centers • Provides collection for State government and citizen use • Collects/preserves materials for, by and about PA

  10. 5. Bureau of Library Development • Administering state aid and grants • Planning, implementing initiatives • Fostering leadership • Planning and offering workshops and meetings • Fostering library development • Serving as a resource BLD is responsible for:

  11. 6. Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development • 12 members • Appointed by the Governor • Four year terms • Meets up to four times a year

  12. Four Dimensions of Library Service • Statewide Resource Centers • District Library Centers • County library systems • Local libraries

  13. Statewide Resource Centers • Acquire major research collections • Make their resources available Their purpose is to:

  14. Statewide Resource Centers • Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh • Free Library of Philadelphia • Pennsylvania State University Library • The State Library in Harrisburg

  15. District Library Centers • 29 District Library Centers • District Consultant is hired as the liaison with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries • They are strong local libraries • Assist other local libraries in district • Work with BLD advisor

  16. District Library Centers • Long range planning • Professional development • Program, staffing and funding issues • Interpreting information from the State Consultants help local libraries with:

  17. County Library Systems • Group of libraries within a county • Improve services for all county users • Work jointly to increase financial support • Plan and evaluate services • Share resources • Conduct staff and trustee training

  18. Local Libraries • Provide services most needed and requested: • Reference, children’s activities, programs for seniors • Basic collections: • Vary in quality and quantity • Depend on community size and money invested

  19. Local Libraries – Who’s in Charge? • Levy a special tax • Provide other municipal revenues • Issue bonds for construction • Place referendums on the ballot • Place questions on the ballot Municipal officials may:

  20. Special Role of Library Trustees • Maintaining a free, public nonsectarian library • The well-being of the library • Focusing on what’s best for the community Trustees are responsible for:

  21. Special Role of Library Trustees • Legal authority over policies, rules, regulations • Reasonable control of funds • Oversee planning, fundraising, liability • Evaluate the library’s performance • Hire and evaluate the director Trustees do or have:

  22. Special Role of Library Trustees • Prosecute for theft or damage • Contract for cooperative services • Establish fee structures for non-residents • Acquire funds for construction, enhancements, renovations

  23. Elected Officials: • Appropriate funds • Appoint members to board • May hold property on behalf of library • May purchase or lease lands and/or buildings

  24. Neither Elected Officials, Nor Trustees: • Manage the day-to-day business • Hire, fire or evaluate library personnel (except director) • Receive preferential treatment

  25. Good Trustees Do: • Participate in orientation • Attend meetings regularly • Devote time and attention • Share skills on committees • Understand community needs • Stay current on library trends/issues

  26. Good Trustees Do: • Exercise discretion • Respect confidentiality • Bring serious issues to the director • Put personal agendas aside • Actively support board decisions • Advocate with elected officials

  27. Good Trustees Do: • Avoid conflicts of interest • Understand their role • Understand and respect the role of the director • Have an open mind • Respect diversity • Advocate for equitable pay

  28. Good Trustees Do: • Work cooperatively • Focus on a secure future • Consider new ideas • Cultivate connections • Actively support fundraising • Raise library visibility, improve services

  29. The Best Trustees: • Applaud the library’s successes • Respect the library’s role in the community • Attend social and other functions in the library • Offer expertise to the director • Are avid library users!

  30. Politics – Not! • Trustees have no partisan politics • Serve the best interests of the library • Separate decision making from politics, except… • as they influence library’s prospects

  31. Take the “Good Library” test in the toolkit!

  32. When in doubt, check… • The Library Code • The PA Trustee Handbook Both are part of your board notebook.

  33. Resources • Pennsylvania Library Association • www.palibraries.org • Commonwealth Libraries • www.statelibrary.state.pa.us A list of recommended books is in your toolkit

  34. REVIEW • Six entities govern PA libraries • Responsibilities of trustees • Role of local elected officials • What makes a good library • Where to get more information

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