Trustee Training 102 - Advanced Trustees
03/02/2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET
Admission
- Free
Location
Webinar link will be emailed to registrants the day before the webinar begins.
Summary
Once a library trustee understands their responsibilities and duties as those duties pertain to their library's establishment type, the next step is an understanding of those responsibilities and how the library as a government entity affects the performance of those duties. This session will introduce elements of public finance, FOIA, Open Meetings Act and the intricacies of the Board/ library director relationship.
Description
Most public library trustees have no experience with the laws and requirements that guide government entities- including public libraries. However, a trustee's duty requires that they adhere to strict laws pertaining to public funds, public records, public meetings, as well as federal and state constitutional requirements. This session will provide information on these topics as well as resources to enable a trustee to gain further knowledge and expertise.
After this session participants will be able to:
- Identify the primary laws and requirements that guide the activities of library trustees as public officials
- Describe the basic intent and requirements of the Open Meetings Act as it applies to public library board meetings.
- Discover tips on navigating the unusual but crucial relationship between library trustees and library directors.
Instructor information:
Clare Membiela, Library Law Consultant, Library of Michigan
Shirley Bruursema, Library Trustee Consultant and former longtime trustee and board chair, Kent District Library