New Board Members? Check this out!

In light of the recent municipal elections, many libraries will be gaining new board members. There are several resources available that new board members should be made aware of. In fact, all board members could benefit from knowing about them. Here are a few to start with:

• www.albertalibraries.ca is the new website of the Government of Alberta's Municipal Affairs Public Library Services Branch. The site offers a variety of information that is helpful to library trustees, including library Standards, funding, grant information and the structure of Alberta Library Service. There is also a forum for libraries to discuss information and ideas.
• Visit www.librarytrustees.ab.ca to learn about the Alberta Library Trustees Association (ALTA), which aims to promote effective library service by promoting trustee education and development.
• Chinook Arch will also be hosting a New Library Trustee Workshop. Board Members may choose to attend this workshop on either Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:00 am or on January 28, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Intended for new library trustees, or just those who would like a refresher, this session will include an orientation to the legislative role of the library board as well as the roles and responsibilities of individual trustees and the board as a while. An overview of System services and how Chinook Arch can assist member library boards in their roles will also be included.
• Check out http://chinookarchregionallibrarysystem.memberlodge.com/ for details on The Southern Alberta Library Conference. Cosponsored by Chinook Arch and Lethbridge Public Library, the conference will feature a variety of sessions relevant to board members with very reasonable registration fees.