Knowledge Base: Library Policies

BOARD ORIENTATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

An ongoing Orientation Process the Board ensures that a new Trustee has enough information to quickly become an effective and contributing member.

1. Orientation of Board Members

1. The Board recognizes the need to orient new board members and the need to provide opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge relating to their role as a Library Board member or trustee.

2. A new member will meet with the Board Chair or Vice Chair prior to the first Board meeting.  This meeting will include a tour of the libraries and review of the services and programs it offers.

3. The Board will provide an orientation binder to each new Board which will include the following;

• List of Board member’s names, position (if any), email address, telephone number, and Canada Post address
• Library Director business contact information
• The City Bylaw creating the Library Board
• The Alberta Library Trustee Handbook
• The current plan of service which is the guide to library direction and policy
• Board member job description.

4. And make the Board member aware that additional information is available in the library from the Library Director such as:

• The Alberta Library Act and Regulations
• Current Financial Statements
• Sources of Funding
• Cold Lake Library Board Bylaws and Policy Manual
• Record Book of Minutes
• Annual Report to Province
• Information on Northern Lights Library System and Provincial Library System
• Organization Chart and Names and Positions of Staff

2. Continuing Education of Board Members

1. The Board wants informed trustees. Within the limits of the Board’s financial resources, the Board will support and encourage attendance at library conferences and relevant workshops, as well as membership in library organizations.

2. Within budget guidelines, and with prior Board approval, expenses incurred will be reimbursed within the Board guidelines as adopted by policy.

• Mileage
• Meals
• Lodging
• Submission of a claim for expenses

3. Board member will submit a verbal and/or written report.

4. All trustees are eligible to attend within budget guidelines.