Kentucky Public Library Trustee Manual - KDLA

Kentucky Public Library Trustee Manual
38
Board Policies
Policies are the rules and guidelines by which the board has determined the library
will operate. There are three categories of policies that a board needs to consider:
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board policies which guide the board in its governance
library personnel policies
library operations policies
Board policies are statements to staff, patrons, and the public of board intent and
belief. Written policies are needed for several reasons:
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Trustees need to know what’s expected of them
The board needs guidelines to make consistent decisions
Having policies in place prevents crisis policy-making
The board policy manual should address your board’s organization, responsibilities
delegated to the director, the board meeting, library finances, board officers and
their duties, committees of the board, and facilities. Bylaws and policies ensure
continuity during leadership transitions such as when a new director or trustee
joins the library. Some of these are mandated by federal and state laws, but many
are left to the discretion of the local board.
Each library board needs to write its own policy manual tailored to its needs, but
assistance is available from your KDLA regional office. Setting aside a time each
month to review a few policies is a very good idea. Each new trustee should receive
copies of the bylaws and policies when they are appointed.
How to Make a Motion
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The board member addresses the board chair.
The chair recognizes the member.
The member states the motion by stating, “I move that….”
Another member seconds the motion by saying, “I second the motion” so that
the motion can be considered by the board members.
The chair states the motion by stating, “It is moved and seconded that …”.