Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbooks

Trutee boards make general operating and administrative policies. The library director supervises the internal management, daily operation and procedures of the library. The board acts as an agent of public trust governing the library. The library director exercises professional judgment under the direction and the review of the board to implement the goals, objectives and policies set by the board. A trustee board and the library director work together as partners.

Trustees responsibilites are generally divided into six major categories:

A governing board is legally responsible for administrative policy-making in areas such as budget, personnel and contracts, as is specified by state law and local ordinances.

Trustees, government officials and library personnel must all understand clearly the role and duties of the board. Trustees and library staff will face conflict and ineffectiveness if that role is perceived differently by the various groups involved.