TRUSTEE ORIENTATION

THE ORIENTATION KIT SHOULD CONTAIN

1) A directory of fellow board members, with addresses, phone numbers, special responsibilities/titles

2) A directory of library staff, including titles and responsibilities

3) Board by laws

4) Legal information

• the municipal law/community charter establishing the library and the board

• Chapter 78 of the Massachusetts general Laws

• summaries of related laws such as open meetings, uniform procurement, conflict of interest

5) Last year's annual report and minutes

6) The library's long range plan, including the library's mission statement and goals and objectives

7) A library and community profile (this may be part of the library's long range plan):

• history of the town and library

• size and strengths of the collection

• circulation figures

8) Written policies of the library

9) Current and proposed budgets; information on public and private funding sources

10) A directory of state and local municipal officials, including the selectboard and finance committee

11) A directory of state and federal congressmen and senators

12) The Massachusetts Library Trustees Handbook

General rule: Orientation should be the same for everyone, and should include seasoned, as well as new trustees.