Our Library Board of Trustees:

Julie Shinn, President

Nancy Ferguson

Darrell Sybrant

Curt Warner

Susie Rose


Here are some things to keep in mind if you are wanting to be a board member.  If you are interested please let us know!! Thank you!

What Makes an Effective Library Board? Each trustee will bring to the board certain strengths-skills, talents and personal experience that uniquely serve the library. A well-balanced board can bring in less-experienced members who provide new viewpoints and who learn while serving. Expert knowledge in a professional or technical discipline, for example, is valuable for specific undertakings. Some boards rely almost entirely on their members for advice in such fields as construction, law, or finance. Conversely, other boards make extensive use of consultants, advisory boards, or volunteers for information. The board as a whole should represent a broad spectrum of community interests, occupations, and areas. A board consisting of diverse viewpoints assures that the library will serve the total community. The competence necessary to fulfill all board responsibilities should be present in the composition of the board as a whole. Collectively the library board of trustees should strive to have: occupational diversity political acumen business management and financial experience legal knowledge diversity in age, race and sex varied personal interests

What Makes a Good Trustee? Good trustees will qualify themselves as they serve. Experience is a great asset: however, effective trustee performance seems to be based on the following traits: Interest in the library, in the community and in the way each relates to the other. Readiness to devote time and effort to the duties of library trusteeship. Initiative and ability to establish impartial policies for successful operation of the library. Recognition of the importance of the library and its roles in the community. Closeness to the community and the forces that impact the library. Ability to work well with others. Ability to listen effectively. Ability to plan and carry out plans. Devotion to the library and its progress. Skill in board management. An open mind and intellectual curiosity. Sound judgment, a sense of fiscal responsibility, legal understanding, and political awareness. Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to relate to the public. Availability to represent the library at public functions and meetings. Every new trustee brings his or her personal experience, skills, and talents to the board, which can benefit the library. Common sense, clear-sighted political know-how, and leadership lead the list of valued assets you can bring to your board. All trustees should possess the above qualifications in varying degrees, but the most important qualification of all is an abiding interest in the library and its welfare. Trustees who have this trait and work for the library will be successful.

 

For more information contact Richard Miller: rmiller@nlc.state.ne.us.

This was taken from the Nebraska Library Commission's home page.