Oklahoma Library Trustee Handbook, 1996

Library board members are an integral part of public libraries. Because of the importance of their role, this handbook gives library trustees in Oklahoma a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power. It contains useful information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws, and many other topics. The handbook stipulates that library trustees are responsible for governing the library, including monitoring finances, setting policies, planning services, and evaluating the progress of the library. Trustees also must become part of the board team and keep it functioning at optimum level. How library trustees respond to problems and possibilities will determine the future of library service to the people of Oklahoma. The handbook consists of 12 chapters: (1) Take Time To Learn the Job; (2) Library Boards in Oklahoma; (3) Board Meetings; (4) Library Board Officers; (5) The Board Member's Job Description; (6) Library Funding, Financing and Budget; (7) Planning; (8) Policies; (9) Intellectual Freedom; (10) The Library Director on the Board Team; (11) Board Staff Relations; and (12) Library Agencies and Associations. Appendices include: a glossary of terms; a sample city ordinance; a sample agenda; "Freedom To Read" statement and "Library Bill of Rights"; rules and regulations concerning state aid grants to public libraries; library role definitions; a sample materials selection policy; and Oklahoma state laws concerning user confidentiality and theft. (SWC)