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B-13 Division of Responsibility

Last Updated:
Type(s):
Board & General Administrative

HELEN M. PLUM MEMORIAL LIBRARY

B-13 Policy on Division of Responsibility between Board and Director
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, October 21, 2014.

Goals and Objectives for the Library

  • Board Responsibility - It shall be the duty of the Board to determine the goals and objectives of the Library and the methods of meeting them, to review the goals and objectives annually, and to evaluate progress.
  • Director Responsibility - The Director shall provide assistance and direction in setting goals and objectives and in determining means of evaluation and take responsibility for implementation.
  • Joint Responsibility - The Board shall relate the Library and its program to the community and its needs through systematic study of the community and through systematic analysis of Library service with the assistance of the Director, who shall participate fully and prepare regular reports on current progress and future needs. 

Written Policies

  • Board Responsibility - The Board shall determine and adopt written policies to govern operation, use, and programs of the Library and shall adopt bylaws for Board procedures.
  • Director Responsibility - The Director shall recommend needed policies to the Board and supply samples and sources of information. The Director shall carry out the policies as adopted by the Board with recommendations and materials for study, and administer the Library within the framework of the Library’s goals, objectives, policies, and budget.
  • Joint Responsibility - Both the Board and the Director shall know local, state, and national laws which affect libraries and play an active role in initiating and supporting beneficial library legislation; shall participate fully in the library system and make use of the consultants of the Illinois State Library; shall attend regional, state, and national library association meetings and workshops when possible and join appropriate organizations working for improved libraries; and shall read library publications. 

Governance

  • Board Responsibility - The Board shall cooperate with other local government officials, keeping in mind the special legal responsibilities of a library board.  Board members shall attend all Board meetings and committee meetings to which they are assigned and shall carry out all special assignments promptly.
  • Director Responsibility - The Director prepares all needed Library reports to the government, the DuPage Library System, and the Illinois State Library and shall provide copies to the Board. The Director attends Board and committee meetings except those meetings or parts of meetings in which the Director’s salary and tenure are discussed. 

Financial Status of the Library

  • Board Responsibility - The Board shall be aware of the financial status of the Library.
  • Director Responsibility - The Director shall provide a report of budget status and expenditure at each Board meeting. The Director shall supply facts and figures to the Board to aid in interpreting the Library’s financial need.
  • Joint Responsibility - The Director shall prepare two annual budgets in consultation with staff and Board; first, the appropriation ordinance form which anticipates the needs for the coming year, and second, an operating budget, once the available revenues are determined. The Board shall work with the Director to formulate these budgets, adequate to carry out the Library’s goals and objectives, within any limitations of the state law. 

Budget Presentation

  • Board Responsibility - The Board shall present the budget to the general public, shall explain and defend it, shall help to secure adequate funds, staff, and services, and shall explore all ways of increasing the Library’s income through tapping other sources and taking advantage of all available means of cooperating with other libraries. 
  • Director Responsibility - The Director shall provide a budget for Board consideration.  
  • Joint Responsibility - The Director shall work with the Board in interpreting budget and financial needs to public officials and the public. The Board and the Director shall see that complete and accurate records concerning finances, personnel, property inventory, and annual reports are on file at the Library. 
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