Pennsylvania Libraries

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

Libraries are good for the Commonwealth because they… 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 George M. Eberhart, The Whole Library Handbook 3. Chicago: ALA, 2000, pp. 9-11

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

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:

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

2. Department of Education oversees:

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

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

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:

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

Four Dimensions of Library Service 1.Statewide Resource Centers 2.District Library Centers 3.County library systems 4.Local libraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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:

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Take the “Good Library” test in the toolkit!

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

Resources Pennsylvania Library Association – Commonwealth Libraries – A list of recommended books is in your toolkit

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