Trustee Training 101 - Just the Basics

7 out of the 9 public library establishment types in Michigan are governed by boards of trustees who are responsible for the funds, property, and operations of the public library they represent, with duties and expectations equal to those of other public officials. However, as elected or appointed citizens, trustees often do not have experience running a library, or in public finance or administration. This session provides an introduction to Michigan public library establishment, board operations, and the general duties, responsibilities and legal requirements of a public library trustee.

After attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Discover their library's appropriate legal establishment and the law that governs it.
• Describe the responsibilities and duties of a Michigan public library trustee according to their library's establishment type.
• Discover resources and support available to Michigan public library trustees.

Instructor information:

Clare Membiela, Library Law Consultant, Library of Michigan
Shirley Bruursema, Library Trustee Consultant and former longtime trustee and board chair, Kent District Library