FREE & Open Resources
Webinars
- Keeping Governance on Track, Parts 1 and 2 (FREE series now available on-demand)
New Resource Guides
- Challenges to Materials and Programs: The Role of the Friends of the Library (4/12/22)
- Challenges to Materials and Programs: The Role of Library Trustees & Board Members (3/31/22)
- Terms and Definitions Related to Intellectual Freedom & Censorship (2/15/22)
- Materials Challenges - Key Library Policies to Review and Revise (2/15/22)
Tip Sheets:
- The Role of Library Trustees
- Public Library Trustee Ethics Statement
- Terms and Definitions Related to Intellectual Freedom & Censorship (2/15/22)
- Materials Challenges - Key Library Policies to Review and Revise (2/15/22)
Sample Policies
Other
On-Demand Webinars
Advocacy for Your Library During a Crisis
How can you work with your local elected officials on library advocacy during this time of COVID-19, and beyond? Learn how to approach advocacy during a time of crisis, and how to craft your messaging for success. A panel of expert speakers will provide guidance. Hear tips for Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and other community-based advocacy groups, as well as library staff. Presented Live: April 15, 2020. Click here to register.
Challenges & Crises: Preparing Your Board of Trustees
What training and preparation does your Board of Trustees need to be prepared for a crisis? Do your policies properly address intellectual freedom issues? How do you handle it when a board member speaks against a board decision? What happens when a board member's values clash with a board decision? Learn how to be proactive in developing a well-prepared board, and what best practices, policies, and procedures need to be developed or revisited. A panel of experts will include a library director and a member of that library's Board of Trustees. Click here to register.
Additional Resources FREE to ALA Members
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
Additional Resources FREE to United for Libraries Members
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
Peer Networking
Connect with other Trustees and board members in the Trustee Interest Group in ALA Connect.
On-Demand Webinars/Training
- December Learning Live: Library Boards, Intellectual Freedom, and Challenges
Additional Resources FREE to Select Statewide Partners
States: Alaska, Illinois
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Short Takes for Trustees
States: Idaho
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Trustee Competencies
States: Missouri
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Short Takes for Trustees
- Trustee Academy
States: New Jersey
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know
- Trustee Competencies
- Short Takes for Trustees
- Trustee Academy
Additional Resources FREE to Statewide All Access Partners
States: Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
On-Demand Webinars/Training
- First Amendment Audits: What Your Library Board and Staff Need to Know
- December Learning Live: Library Boards, Intellectual Freedom, and Challenges
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know
- Trustee Competencies
- Short Takes for Trustees
Additional Resources FREE to Statewide Group Members
States: Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
Peer Networking
Connect with other Trustees and board members in the Trustee Interest Group in ALA Connect.
On-Demand Webinars/Training
- December Learning Live: Library Boards, Intellectual Freedom, and Challenges
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know
- Trustee Competencies
- Short Takes for Trustees