The Role of a Library Trustee

A trustee is part of a decision-making team that includes the rest of the trustees and the library director. For a board to function effectively, all members must bring enthusiasm, preparation and dedication to the task and have a firm understanding of the different roles played by the board, the director and the library staff. The State Library of North Carolina provides training and resources to help Board members understand their role and be an engagement library board member.

New Trustee Orientation

This self-paced, orientation module will enhance your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a public library trustee and increase your comfort level with and commitment to advocating for quality public library service within your community. This module should take you about one hour to complete and you can refer back to it at anytime as a resource.

Start the training

North Carolina Library Trustee Manual

This handbook consists of basic information needed by you, the trustee, to be an effective board member and library advocate. Each chapter includes sources of additional information that may be utilized if you run into an issue or question not addressed.

Learn more and access the manual

Working Together: Governing and Advisory Boards

The roles and responsibilities of a library trustee differ depending on if the Board is a governing or advisory board. The documents below provide guidance on the roles and ways library trustees can work with other library stakeholders that aligns with the type of board the library has.

Governing Boards

Advisory Boards

Hiring a Library Director

Many Governing Boards of Trustees are responsible for the important task of hiring the library director. The Chief Office of State Library Agencies developed a hiring packet to help boards navigate the the hiring process from developing the job ad to interviewing. 

Download the Hiring Packet