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Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Resource Guide Collection

Trustees: Strengthening Your Board

Information, resources, and advice for library trustees in Massachusetts.

Who's on your Board?

Trustee Boards should strive to offer perspectives that represent as much of their community as possible. Here are some resources to help you evaluate your Board internally and check for possible gaps in how you are representing your community. For more assistance or to facilitate discussions to help your board grow stronger for your library, contact us anytime!

How to Run for Office

Do you know someone who would make a great library trustee? Send them here for info on running for elected office. Then, go to the Office of Campaign & Political Finance (OCPF) and the Secretary of the Commonwealth for more information, paperwork, and contact info for your questions. 

Cultivating Diversity

A Board should not only be representative of it's community, it should offer diverse perspectives as well. Here are some resources that can help you embrace any diversity currently in your board and to encourage broader diversity among Trustees. 

Here are some additional resources from BoardSource to encourage more diversity, equity and inclusion on your Board. 

Succession Planning

Building a Culture of Learning

WebJunction (a great resource for libraries and their advocates) offered a webinar training Trustee Boards to encourage a culture of learning within their ranks. Access it here. (Note: You may need to create an account, but access is free.)

State Access to United for Libraries

 

Register for Statewide access to United for Libraries

Access is free for all Massachusetts library directors, trustees and friends. 
Statewide access to United for Libraries is  funded in part with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership, and a lifetime of learning.