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Responsibilities of Library

In the operation of the New Castle Public Library, trustees have three responsibilities: statutory, practical, and ethical.

Statutory

All authority for operation of the library resides in the board, in its legal and official capacity. Each Library Board member is charged by legislative action with broad powers. The duties and powers contained in the statutes are described below.

Reference:  New Hampshire statute RSA 202-A:6

Practical

The Library Board of Trustee members:

  • Establish the mission of the library
  • Define the role of, employ and /or dismiss the library director
  • Establish written policy
  • Secure adequate funding
  • Approve budget, contracts and grants
  • Provide and maintain:
    1. Facilities
    2. Resources
    3. Services
  • Help develop and approve the library's plan of service
  • Help promote and advocate for the library
  • Participate in opportunities for continuing education

Ethical Responsibility - Ethical Statement for Public Library Trustees

  • Trustees shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity, and honor.
  • Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the situation. It is incumbent upon any trustee to disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exists.
  • Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the institution, acknowledging the formal position of the board even if they personally disagree.
  • A trustee must respect the confidential nature of library business while being aware of and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information.
  • Trustees must be prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.
  • Trustees who accept library board responsibilities are expected to perform all of the functions of library trustees.

Adopted by the New Castle Public Library Board of Trustees, April 19, 2011.  Reviewed 2/19/19.