Core Responsibilities of Library Governing Boards
(advisory boards are sometimes delegated these duties by their municipalities):
Determining the mission
Establishing the vision and strategic direction
Monitoring the library’s work
Assuring legal and bylaws compliance
Setting policy
Overseeing the library’s finances and protecting its assets
Fundraising
Community relations and advocacy
Selecting, supporting and evaluating the director
Building the competency of the board
Duty of Care:
vTo use your best judgment when making decisions
vTo educate yourself on the nonprofit’s mission and the challenges it faces
vTo come fully prepared to board meetings, having read the materials in advance
vTo bring your skills and expertise to bear in helping to improve the library
Duty of Loyalty:
Duty of Obedience:
vTo obey the law governing nonprofits
vTo follow the bylaws
vTo pursue the mission
vTo stay current on changes and trends within the nonprofit sector
vTo make continuous improvement a priority
The Institute for Museum and Library Services [IMLS] and Maine Library Commission [MLC] require that in order to be recognized as a public library, the library must have a paid librarian. State and federal laws set the method and minimum wage for payment. The Resources below will help you to be in compliance to better serve your library's community. The Essential Contacts list will help you find the agency that can help you with any specific questions regarding the laws.
If you are considering starting a public library in Maine or want to ensure your library is operating correctly, you have come to the right place! The first steps in becoming a recognized public library are to 1) ensure that you are a legally operating 501ce nonprofit corporation, or 2) a legally operating municipal department. The Maine State Library's Division of Library Development is here to guide you through this process. The resources below will give you a basic overview of what to do to start your process. The Essential Contacts list gives you direct links to agencies that will have additional crucial information and forms.
Library board members are essential to developing budgets in concert with their library director. Board members are also essential in presenting the budget to the town when it is time to vote on municipal budgets and in defending and justifying the budget of the library. Below, you will find some essential Resources for learning about nonprofit budgets. You might also want to research our Advocacy LibGuide to learn some best practices for budget discussions. You can also contact Jenny Melvin at the Maine State Library with questions.
