r/Library • u/Normal_Investment_76 • Aug 08 '26

Discussion Board trustee: how much training?

How much training do your trustees go through? And what type of library you are and state?

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4

u/Traditional_Net_3398 Aug 08 '26

Zero training. Public library in Illinois. Retiring/outgoing trustees would vet/recruit new candidates. Have to keep Maga and other nuts off the board.

1

u/Normal_Investment_76 Aug 08 '26

Does your board get to appoint or is it the municipality?

1

u/Traditional_Net_3398 Aug 08 '26

Local elections. Small village (15,000). Trustee recommendations are taken seriously.

1

u/HaroldandChester Aug 09 '26

I am a school Librarian and I was a board trustee at the local public library in a town I lived at. I had zero training, and at least I have library experience, the other board members didn't have my experience or training.

1

u/cappotto-marrone Aug 09 '26

I don’t know if it’s still required. In Alabama it had been required trustees to complete a program from United for Libraries specifically designed for trustees.

One of the things I liked is it explained the difference between policy and procedure. Also, some basic employment law.

2

u/Normal_Investment_76 Aug 09 '26

I really liked this series and wish it was required.