As the MBLC prepares a revised and updated Trustee Handbook we invite you to use this 2012 transitional draft to replace your 2000 handbook. In this draft selected information has been updated such as addresses, phone numbers and web addresses in addition to agency name changes and changes to Massachusetts law pertaining to libraries. Download a pdf version or email April Mazza using the link below for a copy to be sent to your library.
We welcome your feedback as we revise the Trustee Handbook. Please contact April Mazza, Trustee/Friends Information Specialist, with your comments.
A publication of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Public Library Advisory Unit
Edited by Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe
and the Trustee Handbook Revision Committee
Mary Lou Branchaud, Trustee, Blackstone
Sylvia G. Buck, Director, Warren
Janice Charbonneau,Branch Librarian, Worcester
Robert J. Frishman, Trustee, Lawrence
Joseph S. Hopkins, Commissioner, Amherst
Karen Klopfer, Regional Librarian, WMRLS
Marilyn Munn, Trustee, Sunderland
Ellen Rauch, Director, Carlisle
Irving H. Zangwill, Massachusetts Library Trustees Association, Fall River
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (as of July 1, 2000)
Elia D. Marnik,Chair
Edward L. Bertorelli, Vice Chairman
John Arnold, Secretary
Deborah Hill Bornheimer
Walter L. Cameron, Jr.
Robert D. Hall, Jr.
John E. Henderson
Joseph S. Hopkins
Keith Michael Fiels, Director
Public Library Advisory Unit
Maureen J. Killoran, Head of Public Library Advisory Unit/Government Liaison
Brian Donoghue, Librarian/Research Services
Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe, Public Library Trustee/Friends Liaison
Sharon Zitser, Administrative Assistant
Copyright October 2000. Published by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Boston, MA
Preparation of this handbook was supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of that agency, and no official endorsement by the agency should be inferred.
Acknowledgments
The Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook, published in October 2000, is made possible by the efforts, support, and information provided by many committed trustees and librarians. Special thanks and appreciation are extended to:
The Commissioners, Director, and staff of the Massachusetts Board of Library CommissionersPast members of the Trustee Handbook Revision Committee, including Commissioners Robert Hall and Lori StalteriWriters and editors of the Masssachusetts Library Trustees Handbook, revised October 1988, with special thanks to Marcia ShannonThe writers and editors of other states' trustee manuals, many of whose ideas were adapted for the Massachusetts handbook, including California, Idaho, and Virginia, and the American Library Association.
Direct inquiries concerning the Handbook to:
Public Library Advisory Unit
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
98 North Beacon St., Suite 401
Boston, MA 02144
(617)725-1860
(800)952-7403 ( in state )
Table of Contents
- Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners - Commissioners' Message
- Massachusetts Library Trustees Association
- Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners - Preface
- Trustee Handbook Revision Committee
- 1. Becoming a Trustee
- 2. Board Organization
- 3. Legal Responsibilities
- 4. Policy Making
- 5. Planning
- 6. Library Personnel
- 7. Budgeting and Financial Management
- 8. Fundraising
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- Supplemental Public Library Funding: MBLC Policy Statement
- Public Library Trust Funds: MBLC Policy Statement
- Establishing a Public Trust or Foundation
- Selected Fundraising Terms
- Donors
- Friends of Libraries
- Fundraising Committee Responsibilities
- Hiring a Fundraising Consultant
- Bond Issues and Overrides
- Nonprofit Incorporation
- 9. Advocacy
- 10. Friends and Volunteers
- 11. Technology
- 12. Construction and Renovation
- 13. Massachusetts Public Library Service
- 14. Continuing Education/Library Associations
- Glossary of Terms
- Bibliography

