Pennsylvania Libraries

Introduction

Many people, offices and governing bodies are involved in creating,

maintaining and improving library service in Pennsylvania.

Libraries are good for the Commonwealth because they…

• Inform citizens• Break down barriers• Level the playing field• Value the individual• Nourish creativity• Open kids’ minds

• Return high dividends• Build communities• Make families friendlier• Offend everyone• Offer sanctuary• Preserve the past

George M. Eberhart, The Whole Library Handbook 3. Chicago: ALA, 2000, pp. 9-11

Overview

• Governance – six entities

• Four dimensions of library service

• Role of a trustee

• Additional resources

Lesson Objective

• Describe how public libraries are organized

• Define the special role of trustees

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

1. General Assembly

• Establishes legal framework

• Appropriates funds for state library

• Provides state aid

2. Department of Education oversees:

3. The Office of Commonwealth Libraries

• Bureau of State Library

• Bureau of Library Development

which includes:

4. Bureau of State Library

• One of four statewide resource centers

• Provides collection for State government and citizen use

• Collects/preserves materials for, by and about PA

5. Bureau of Library Development

• Administering state aid and grants• Planning, implementing initiatives• Fostering leadership• Planning and offering workshops and

meetings• Fostering library development• Serving as a resource

BLD is responsible for:

6. Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development

• 12 members

• Appointed by the Governor

• Four year terms

• Meets up to four times a year

Four Dimensions of Library Service

1. Statewide Resource Centers

2. District Library Centers

3. County library systems

4. Local libraries

Statewide Resource Centers

• Acquire major research collections

• Make their resources available

Their purpose is to:

Statewide Resource Centers

• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

• Free Library of Philadelphia

• Pennsylvania State University Library

• The State Library in Harrisburg

District Library Centers• 29 District Library Centers• District Consultant is hired as the liaison

with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries

• They are strong local libraries• Assist other local libraries in district • Work with BLD advisor

District Library Centers

• Long range planning

• Professional development

• Program, staffing and funding issues

• Interpreting information from the State

Consultants help local libraries with:

County Library Systems

• Group of libraries within a county

• Improve services for all county users

• Work jointly to increase financial support

• Plan and evaluate services

• Share resources

• Conduct staff and trustee training

Local Libraries

• Provide services most needed and requested:– Reference, children’s activities, programs

for seniors

• Basic collections: – Vary in quality and quantity– Depend on community size and money

invested

Local Libraries – Who’s in Charge?

• Levy a special tax

• Provide other municipal revenues

• Issue bonds for construction

• Place referendums on the ballot

• Place questions on the ballot

Municipal officials may:

Special Role of Library Trustees

• Maintaining a free, public nonsectarian library

• The well-being of the library

• Focusing on what’s best for the community

Trustees are responsible for:

Special Role of Library Trustees

• Legal authority over policies, rules, regulations

• Reasonable control of funds

• Oversee planning, fundraising, liability

• Evaluate the library’s performance

• Hire and evaluate the director

Trustees do or have:

• Prosecute for theft or damage

• Contract for cooperative services

• Establish fee structures for non-residents

• Acquire funds for construction, enhancements, renovations

Special Role of Library Trustees

Elected Officials:

• Appropriate funds

• Appoint members to board

• May hold property on behalf of library

• May purchase or lease lands and/or buildings

Neither Elected Officials, Nor Trustees:

• Manage the day-to-day business

• Hire, fire or evaluate library personnel (except director)

• Receive preferential treatment

Good Trustees Do:

• Participate in orientation

• Attend meetings regularly

• Devote time and attention

• Share skills on committees

• Understand community needs

• Stay current on library trends/issues

Good Trustees Do:

• Exercise discretion

• Respect confidentiality

• Bring serious issues to the director

• Put personal agendas aside

• Actively support board decisions

• Advocate with elected officials

Good Trustees Do:

• Avoid conflicts of interest

• Understand their role

• Understand and respect the role of the director

• Have an open mind

• Respect diversity

• Advocate for equitable pay

Good Trustees Do:

• Work cooperatively

• Focus on a secure future

• Consider new ideas

• Cultivate connections

• Actively support fundraising

• Raise library visibility, improve services

The Best Trustees:

• Applaud the library’s successes

• Respect the library’s role in the community

• Attend social and other functions in the library

• Offer expertise to the director

• Are avid library users!

Politics – Not!

• Trustees have no partisan politics

• Serve the best interests of the library

• Separate decision making from politics, except…

• as they influence library’s prospects

Take the “Good Library” test in the toolkit!

When in doubt, check…

• The Library Code

• The PA Trustee Handbook

Both are part of your board notebook.

Resources

• Pennsylvania Library Association– www.palibraries.org

• Commonwealth Libraries– www.statelibrary.state.pa.us

A list of recommended books is in your toolkit

REVIEW • Six entities govern PA libraries

• Responsibilities of trustees

• Role of local elected officials

• What makes a good library

• Where to get more information