Skip to Main Content

Resources for Library Trustees: An Informed Trustee

This guide is designed to provide public librarians and library board members with access to reference materials that may be used for board training.

What A Trustee Should Know

A trustee is part of a decision-making team that includes the rest of the trustees and the library director. In order for the board to function effectively, every board member should be know the following:

  • Organization of the board
  • Library services and resources available to the public
  • Who uses the library and who does not
  • Information needs and interests of the community
  • How to work effectively in a group
  • Services available from the Alaska State Library
  • National library trends, standards and developments
  • Library law
  • Legislation affecting libraries and pending legislative developments

COSLA Public Library Trustee Manual,  pg. 61