For and about members of the ONTARIO LIBRARY BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION InsideOLBA WINTER 2008 NO. 21 ISSN 1192 5167
Leadership by Design to unveil One Place to Look, OLBA’s on-line library for trustees he Ontario Library everything easier to use. One Boards‘Association is Place to Look is the result of ready to unveil the latest research done by Margaret component of its four-year pro- Andrewes and Randee Loucks gram, Leadership by Design. in which trustees said they TThe project’s on-line library wanted to look for resources in for trustees, One Place to Look, one place and that the search is ready for launch at the 2008 needed to be as simple as possi- Super Conference. OLBA ble. Council has seen the test ver- Many trustees with little on- sion and were thrilled with line experience were particular- what they saw. You will be, too. ly anxious that access to trustee materials be simple. These One Place to Look builds findings informed the develop- on Cut to the Chase ment of One Place to Look, our Cut to the Chase is the on-line library for trustees. durable, laminated four-page fold-out quick reference guide Your Path to Library to being a trustee. This was the Leadership is the Key damental responsibilities in years by the Library Develop- first element in the Leadership Borrowing the name from achieving effective leadership ment Training Program spear- by Design project. Since the the Ontario library communi- and sound library governance. headed by the Southern Ontario final version of Cut to the ty’s 1990 Strategic Plan that The “Your Path to Library Library Service in combination Chase was delivered to all saw the beginning of more Leadership ” chart on the back with the Ontario Library library boards in Ontario, the intensive focus on board devel- of Cut to the Chase is your key Service-North and the Ontario response has been excellent. opment, One Place to Look to the way the on-line library is Library Trustees’ Association One Place to Look, the sec- builds directly on Cut to the organized. Pick the topic for (forerunner to OLBA). OLBA is ond element in Leadership by Chase, and will assist trustees which you need information; particularly grateful to the Design, is consciously linked to to find core information Click on that same topic at the Southern Ontario Library Cut to the Chase to make resources that support the fun- OLBA Web Site and you will be Service for permission to link to presented with a list of such resources as the Library resources related to your term. Board Orientation Kit 2004, CUT Choose one of these resources Continued on page 3 TO THE CHASE and you are taken directly to the Library governance ONE at-a-glance ONE full text of the item. NETWORKING PLACE NEED IDEAS to keep WITH TO LOOK What resources are in costs down while at OUR PEERS On-line library OUR PEERS One Place to Look? Super Conference One Place to Look contains a LEADERSHIP variety of resources. Core board Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2008? BY DESIGN development and governance LEARNING LEADERSHIP FROM DEVELOPMENT resources for all types of boards Turn to page 7 for OUR PEERS PLANNING have proliferated over the last TOOL decade and the Ontario library our practical ways EFFECTIVE BOARD community has been active in to save at Super GOVERNANCE producing many fine titles. Conference 2008. through education Many of these resources have been developed over the See you there! ONTARIO LIBRARY BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION
Leadership 2007 OLBA PRESIDENT development CATHERINE DOWD Orillia Public Library Board tool in board So much to do! So much to learn! These are exciting times! test mode
ork on the third ele- he first year of the new share your insights into the Tapes can be ordered through ment of Leadership four-year library board process on the OLBA listserv. the OLAStore at orders@acces- Wby Design, the Tterms is already over. Other boards can benefit from sola.com. The cost is the same “Leadership Development Plan- Now is an ideal time to reflect your experience. as if you attended the live ses- ning Tool,” has progressed to on your experiences. Was it sion - $54 plus GST for mem- the point where a prototype is what you expected? Do you More Learning bers and $74 plus GST for non- being tested by the boards of find you have more questions Opportunities Coming Up members. OLBA Council members. than answers? Start planning now for the The diagnostic tool will last in Ken Haycock’s session ll of these tools are a enable the Board Chair and Super Conference on Financial Literacy. Part 3 means to make your CEO to assess their board’s to the rescue discusses the budget as an advo- Aboard more productive strengths and weaknesses and to If so, you're in luck. The con- cacy tool. The session runs on and effective during your terms. plan a leadership development ference is a great place to net- January 22 and repeats on They leave a legacy to future program using Ken Haycock’s work with other trustees from January 23. Check out the EI’s boards to follow. Think of them Effective Board Governance across Ontario. There are ses- Web site for more information. as a positive start to a New Year series as the foundation. sions on a variety of trustee If you missed Parts 1 & 2, and term of office. The revised tool will be open governance issues. We will be take heart. You can order a CD Happy New Year everyone. for comment at Super providing a status report on the for either or both sessions. Conference Session #620, Leadership by Design program. Consider listening to the ses- Thurs., Jan. 31, 3:45 pm. Hear about the modules that sions as a board development Catherine Dowd, Revisions should be ready in have already been distributed item for a future board meeting. OLBA President. T time for spring distribution. T and learn what modules will be rolling out next. Attend the OLBA Annual meeting to dis- MEET YOUR OLBA COUNCIL cover what Council has worked on in 2007 and to provide it LYNN HUMFRESS-TRUTE, Lynn grew up, there were many such as Borden, North Bay, with feedback. Vice-President 2007/ questions that Lynn quickly Ottawa, Edmonton… et al), Plan to meet our new President-Elect 2008 learned that ‘nice young ladies Lynn decided to retire from the Minister of Culture, the Hon. Councillor, Southwestern don't ask’ and so she found the work force and turn her focus to Aileen Carroll. Region 2006-2007 answers to all her queries at the volunteer opportunities. We hope you are taking local library. Hence she became immersed advantage of the 2-for-1 deal to A long time ago in a far- Harry and Ethel decided to in the world of not-for-profit allow new trustees an opportu- away land, a little girl was born come to live in the land of agencies. She now teaches not- nity to attend the conference. to Harry and Ethel Humfress. opportunity, Canada. Lynn, who for-profit board management The more the better! This is They named their daughter was at the University of under the Volunteer Leadership library networking at its best. Lynn because someone said a Durham at the time studying Development Program for the There are great ideas in this “lynn” was a fish – and this lit- English and Business, United Way, is on the board of issue for first-time conference tle baby was certainly a fishy- researched this far-off land and directors of an agency that pro- attendees so that they can make looking character. Lynn grew up discovered it was full of forests, vides support to persons with the most of the experience. in a place where there were no lakes and Mounties! Not the developmental and emotional televisions until she was about 5 most appealing assets for a challenges, and is the Vice- ‘Tis the season years old… and even when the young lady at the peak of her Chair of Middlesex County for evaluation lady down the street (the rich “burn the bra” era?? But her Library Board. Lynn has served As you complete your first one) finally got a TV, there was protests fell on deaf ears, and one term on a SOLS trustee year, you may be turning your just one station called the BBC, Lynn arrived in Canada in the council and has recently been attention to board self-evalua- on-air from noon till 10.00 pm. late 1960’s! appointed to the OLBA tion. Evaluating your board is So Lynn cultivated a love and After a career as an internal Council. an important responsibility. passion for books. auditor in the Department of And she still reads under the Read the article in this issue on Many a flashlight battery National Defence (where she blankets with her flashlight – why and how to conduct a was burned out under the blan- had met this young army officer only this time it’s to her grand- board evaluation. And if you do kets as Lynn devoured book who married her and swept her children! T conduct an evaluation, please after book. In the country where away to live in romantic places
2 InsideOLBA Winter 2008
Continued from page 1 WHAT’S HAPPENING @ your library® One Place to Look is the second element I HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is in the process of amal- in the Leadership by Design project gamating small libraries in largely rural areas.
I HALDIMAND COUNTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD has formed a resources that reside on the Randee Loucks is working building committee in preparation for building two new branch- OLS Clearinghouse. These with OLA’s contracted technical es. The Board had the police review diverse aspects of the tools have been foundation person to make searching One board development documents Place to Look easy for trustees library’s handling of video surveillance, unattended children, pri- in the Ontario library communi- and CEOs who stand to benefit vacy, donations and sponsorships. ty since the early nineties. the most from its content. I MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is planning its first branch for OLTA/OLBA also developed The database will be avail- next year. A new central library has been postponed to 2012. many resources during these able for board use on Feb. 1. T years as well, but some were I BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD closed all libraries for a marketed only as print staff training day that ended in a board-sponsored reception. resources. These documents, including The Ontario Library MISSISSAUGA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is working with the city OLBA’s Web site I Trustee’s Handbook, Revised on a comprehensive plan for serving older adults. Edition, The OLTA Lobbying in transition I ORILLIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is recruiting a new CEO. Plan and From Advertisement Municipal council is recommending a new, larger library. to Appointment: The OLTA Recruitment Kit will now be ave you had a chance to I SMITH ENNISMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is raising funds available on-line through One visit the "new look" for a new branch in Bridgenorth. Place to Look. HOLBA Web site? It's at The database will include www.accessola.com/olba. BROCK TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD hired new CEO. I titles from the Board Challenge The OLA and its six member I NEWMARKET PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is member of the series as well as other gover- associations, including OLBA, Chamber of Commerce and holds monthly breakfast meetings for nance-related articles first pub- each have new Web sites that the business community to which 75 come. lished in Access, the OLA’s offi- improve services for our mem- cial magazine received by all bers. With the Web site, the I MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD invites every councillor to OLBA members. OLBA is able to add new infor- be a librarian for an hour. The Ontario library commu- nity has often recommended mation on upcoming events, UXBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD held a potluck supper for I various other articles and books trustee professional develop- staff and the youth advisory committee. not available on-line. One Place ment opportunities, library I RICHMOND HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD now has a unionized to Look will include links to board news, and even surveys. staff, voted in by a small margin. notes on the content of these As well, it will continue to offer items as well as ordering infor- information on the work of I GEORGIAN BAY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD has established a mation. OLBA, and contact information board public relations committee. for all Ontario libraries. Many And room to grow... I OWEN SOUND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD member and local thanks to Past President Ian One Place to Look is an Hunter for his work as Web edi- lawyer John Tamming hosted a fundraising reception at his home expandable tool that will grow tor. For information about the with the library’s poet laureate Liz Zetlin. as more resources are devel- Web site, to offer your opinion GUELPH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD is moving ahead on a new oped and/or identified. The tool I and suggestions, or to volunteer main branch, with further plans for a branch in Eastview. allows for easy additions to the database and OLBA will to assist with Web editing, I KITCHENER, GUELPH, WATERLOO AND WATERLOO REGION PUB- encourage libraries to share please contact OLBA President LIC LIBRARY BOARDS have a partnership with local transit to pro- their locally produced docu- Cathy Dowd at vide free transportation to school groups visiting the libraries. ments for trustees. [email protected]. T
I LAMBTON COUNTRY LIBRARY BOARD has a homework site and a children's storytime in Hindi. on the Go,” a shared virtual audio collection for free download.
I BRANT COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD is breaking ground for a new I LONDON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD reports new Teen Annex is library in Burford, over seven times the current small space. proving to be very popular.
I ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD has redesigned its annual report to great effect using Ken Haycock’s ideas in last spring’s WHAT’S HAPPENING @your library? Education Institute session. Do you have special programs or events, especially those with a trustee focus, that you want to share with your colleagues? I MIDDLESEX COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD has joined with Barrie, Contact your regional representative (see page 8) or e-mail Innisfil, Milton and Oakville Public Libraries to form “Libraries InsideOLBA Editor, Marilyn Stewart
3 ONTARIO LIBRARY BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION
OLA Super Conference 2008, SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS WED January 30 6:30 pm THE ART OF NETWORKING Why you need to be there! WED January 30 8:00 pm Gala opening session, Stephen Heppell THU January 31 2:10 pm igh performing boards in their budgets for their lead- All-Conference session, Ethan Zuckerman THU January 31 5:15 pm don’t just happen. They ers. As library trustees, we OLBA Annual Meeting require willingness on oversee a highly valued public THU January 31 7:00 pm H OLBA/OPLA Awards Dinner the part of boards and their service. We have a responsibil- with the Hon. Aileen Carroll trustees to develop the compe- ity to keep well informed. The FRI February 1 8:00 am conference is an excellent tool Giller Prize winner, Vincent Lam tencies needed to be effective. FRI February 1 10:40 am This willingness should trans- for learning and developing All-Conference session, Carl Honoré late into an actual long-term so that we can ensure we are FRI February 1 2:10 pm OLBA Spotlight Session, Elizabeth May plan and written commitments governing to the best of our FRI February 1 All evening for board development. abilities. Your attendance at Fête for Larry Moore, Evan Solomon SAT February 2 8 am the Super Conference is All-Conference session, Irshad Manji Focus on board issues vital. SAT February 2 12:15 pm An important action in such GALA CLOSING LUNCHEON, Ellen Tise a plan is sending a member or members of your board to OLA’s annual Conference. The Attending Conference doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg Ontario Library Boards Association (OLBA) is a divi- rustee attendance at the the downtown where rooms another trustee or library staff or sion of OLA and is part of the Super Conference is may be obtained at a lower cost check to see if a 2-bedroom conference planning committee. Tvital. Yet many trustees than the nearby convention suite may be cheaper than 2 sin- OLBA sessions concentrate on don’t feel they can justify the hotels. All it takes is a subway gle rooms. those issues affecting boards. cost. We feel they can’t justify token to save money. You may G Bed and breakfasts are a OLBA conference planners are not going. be able to save even more by wonderful alternative to hotels, also trustees, so they understand As library trustees, we over- staying in one of the outlying and usually cheaper. Check out the issues boards face. see a highly valued public serv- cities, such as Mississauga, this website for a listing of The conference also pro- ice, thus we have a responsibili- Oakville or Oshawa and taking B&Bs in Toronto: http://www. vides an excellent opportunity ty to keep well informed. The the GO Train in. torontolodging.worldweb.com/ for networking. This is your conference is an excellent tool G Park your vehicle your- BedBreakfasts/ chance to meet other trustees for learning and developing so self rather than using valet park- G Meals, especially break- from across the province. that trustees can ensure they are ing. You’ll save a ton of money fasts, can be pricey at hotels. Through informal chats, hear governing to the best of their each day. Or use a lot other than For your convenience, there is what challenges other boards abilities. the convention centre lot. For an underground food court are facing (they are probably There are many ways to information on surrounding across the street from the similar to your own) and the make attendance less costly. As parking, go to Convention Centre and beside creative ways they are address- we all know, Toronto can be an http://www.mtccc.com/parking the CBC building, where a meal ing those challenges. expensive place to visit. But andmaps.cfm. can be put together for well there are a number of painless G See whether you qualify under $10. Register now ways you can save money while for government rates. Public G If you are flying into Registration for the confer- availing yourself of the best libraries are part of the munici- Toronto’s Pearson International ence has begun. You can regis- opportunity to meet with other pal government, so you should Airport, take public transit or an ter online at http://www.acces- trustees, discuss issues you are qualify. The government rates airport express shuttle bus, sola.com/ola/bins/content_page all facing, and discover some may be even lower than the con- rather than a limo or taxi, into .asp?cid=5. New trustees may wonderful ideas for achieving ference rates. However, many the downtown core. find it especially valuable. success in your work as hotels require proof that you are G To find special deals, trustees. Here are some of those with the government, so be sure and tips on where to stay and And if you’re saying to your- ways: to bring your public library eat, and things to do while in self, “We can’t afford to send a board business cards (you know Toronto, that is while you’re not trustee to a conference” consid- G In Toronto in January you should have them). You participating in all the great er this. - You can bet that other and February hotels are rarely at may also want to ask about rates Conference events, check out city departments, agencies and capacity so there are deals to be for senior citizens if applicable. Tourism Toronto at http://www. boards include training dollars had. There are other hotels in G Share a room with torontotourism.com/visitor.
4 InsideOLBA Winter 2008
Tips and tricks for getting the biggest return from your time at Super Conference
he first time for any new Super Conference Web site. You your network of colleagues to AGM. At the AGM you will experience can be a little can pick more than one session whom you can turn during your learn about, and be able to com- Tfrightening, but also very in each time slot. All of your term as a trustee. Refreshments ment on, what your colleagues exciting. OLA Super Confer- choices are stored. will be served. This event who serve on OLBA Council ence attendance is no exception. Each time you run your begins at 6:30 p.m. on have accomplished in the past Seasoned OLBA members want schedule, it will be automatical- Wednesday, January 30th. It’s year as they provide service to to make things a little easier for ly updated if a session changes followed by the opening session you and other members. You you. Here are some of their tips or is withdrawn by a speaker. and the Super Conference can tell us what direction you for getting the most out of your The common events such as all Welcome Party where there will would like to see OLBA go in first conference experience. conference plenary sessions and be…more food, more network- the future. It’s also another G Plan your itinerary. Use receptions will automatically ing opportunities and lots of opportunity to network – have My Super Conference. This is appear in your schedule. Print fun! we mentioned how important an electronic planner on the out the results and bring them to G Feel free to leave. If a that is? the conference. When you session is not giving you valu- G Don’t try to take in the check in at the conference regis- able information, feel free to exhibits all at once. There are an arm and a leg tration counter, you will get a slip out and find another session close to 900 vendors eager to final program listing all ses- to attend. Your time is valuable demonstrate their products and G Consider asking your sions and what rooms they are – make the most of it! services and provide giveaways employer for the time off in in. Add the room assignments to G Split up and cover more and prizes. Take in the exhibits order to support an organization your itinerary. territory. It’s always nice to in shorter, easier to digest time – the public library – that is so G Scope out the attend unfamiliar events with slots. Remember to bring your important to both your employ- Convention Centre by taking a another trustee or a member of library board business card. er’s workers and to the people tour to locate the rooms where your library staff. However, you G Make use of the mes- in the community where your your sessions of interest and the can cover more sessions and sage centre near the registration employer is located. Many plenaries are being offered. topics if you each attend sepa- area. Leave messages for your employers value and support Also check out the location of rate sessions. colleagues, ask questions about the volunteer activities of their the washrooms. G Ask questions! Speak- restaurants and local attractions staff. G Make sure you attend ers are open to questions. Lots at the Information booth. You common events – plenaries, of people are reluctant to be the can also share your reaction to o now that you have all welcome parties, receptions). first one to ask a question, but if the conference and its sessions these great ideas for sav- They are great fun and an you do, you can be sure that using the conference blog. Sing money, there really is opportunity to meet and net- others will follow. Computers will be set up in the no excuse for not attending work with others. The plenary G Look for the red and registration area from which Super Conference 2008. See speakers are fascinating! blue vests to get help. you can blog to your heart’s you there! T G The Art of Networking. Conference planners (red vests) content. This event is for new members and volunteers (blue vests) are G Keep track of your and first-time conference goers. easy to spot. If you have any expenses. Don’t forget to get It will provide you with an questions, tackle one of them! receipts if you are going to be opportunity to build and expand G Attend the OLBA requesting reimbursement of your expenses. If it helps, carry THE HON. AILEEN CARROLL AT SUPER CONFERENCE January 31, 2008 an envelope marked "receipts" that you can use for meal stubs, The Hon. Aileen Carroll was elect- the Minister for International cab fare, etc. Remember to ask ed to the Ontario legislature in Cooperation, making her Barrie’s for receipts from cabs or airport 2007. Carroll began her career in first federal cabinet minister. Carroll vans - they don't automatically politics as a Barrie City council- chaired community fundraising proj- give them. T lor. She then ran federally and ects for the Barrie Public Library and was elected as a member of St. Joseph’s High School. She was The OLBA sessions have been curated by Parliament for Barrie in 1997. honourary chair for the Barrie United Andrew Porteus, Fort Erie Public Library Board, She was re-elected in 2000 and and Esrick Quintyn, Oshawa Public Library Board. Way. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s Our great appreciation goes out to them for their Minister of Culture again in 2004. Carroll served as and York universities. efforts on behalf of OLBA members. 5 ONTARIO LIBRARY BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION
STRATEGIES FOR THE MORE EFFECTIVE BOARD Board Assessment - Why To Do It and How? by Catherine Dowd, OLBA President
o paraphrase U.S. tives establishes credibility with port the CEO by setting annual ing over into areas that were Secretary of Defence those who fund our endeavours performance goals”, “We sup- more appropriately staff issues. TDonald Rumsfeld, there and the entire population the port the CEO by conducting an We agreed the discussions were are things we know we know, library serves. annual performance review”. taking no longer than they need- things we know we don’t know, Open-ended questions are ed to in order to appropriately and also things we don’t know Reflect on priorities effective in getting more specif- deal with the topics under dis- we don’t know. A Board assess- An assessment gives us a ic, detailed information. They cussion. As a result of this ment can help us address each chance to reflect on our priori- also can be useful in asking assessment, we were able as a of these. ties. What issues have occupied about what issues are occupying team to appropriately address most of the Board’s time? Were the Board’s time. Are these concerns of a trustee who may I.D. strengths and these appropriate? What other appropriate? Are there other not have truly understood weaknesses issues should we have been issues they should be address- trustee responsibilities. After An assessment can help us paying attention to? How well ing? Always leave room for our first year, we agreed that our identify our strengths, those has the board performed in rela- additional comments. meetings were running well, things we know. We must tion to its job descriptions and and we could reduce our meet- remember to take the time to annual work plan? Ontario Library Service has ing evaluations from monthly to celebrate these. It can also iden- an example of an assessment semi-annual and finally to tify those areas that require the Once we have acknowledged tool they suggest using at the incorporate them as one dimen- Board’s extra attention. that we should be assessing our- end of a Board’s term. The sion of our annual evaluation. Sometimes, we are aware that selves, we next have to consider results help the outgoing Board The annual evaluation was we don’t know as much about how to do it and when. provide suggestions for the much more comprehensive, certain topics, for example, incoming Board. This is an dealing with multiple gover- understanding financial state- Key areas to consider in an extremely helpful tool for a new nance issues. We also evaluated ments, as we should. Other evaluation are: Board to have. However, I sug- ourselves on the results of our times, we may be unaware of G organizational mission gest that you start evaluating in annual business plans (which those things we need to know in and values the very first year of your term. outlined concrete, assigned order to govern effectively. G strategic planning An evaluation tool will deter- activities with timelines) that These could be related to the G policies mine if your trustees, especially operationalized our strategic way our Board is organized or G financial accountability your new trustees, fully under- plan. how its trustees perform indi- G relationships with CEO, stand their duties as trustees. vidually and collectively. Council and the com- Follow-up munity Evaluating specific issues This raises another important A properly constructed eval- G organizational pro- You may develop evaluation issue with any assessment. uation tool identifies what we grams and services tools to use when needed, for Follow-up is essential. The should know and helps us meas- special topics such as your ori- results must be discussed. ure how well we know it and, Framing questions entation program or a building Issues that are uncovered by the more importantly apply it. In many assessment tools, campaign. In the first year of evaluation must be discussed. these issues are framed in ques- our new term the Orillia Public Depending on the seriousness Demonstrate accountability tions related to one’s degree of Library Board evaluated itself of the issues, they may be dealt We evaluate our CEOs and understanding and agreement after each meeting. This evalua- with at a regular board meeting, they evaluate their staff. Should with and include the opportuni- tion focused on meeting become the focus of an entire we expect anything less for our- ty to answer “Don’t know” or processes. An issue with the meeting or require a retreat in selves? Board assessment “Not sure”. It is useful to be length of meetings came up order to develop a plan for demonstrates that we believe in specific in what you are evalu- repeatedly, so we put the issue addressing issues. Follow-up the values of accountability, ating. For example rather than a on one of our meeting agendas. may also include planning learning and development. This statement such as “We support During the review of this issue learning opportunities such as demonstrated commitment to the CEO”, instead use “We sup- we were able to agree that all Super Conference attendance, self-improvement and to port the CEO by having a cur- discussions were relevant to mentoring, or using some of the achieving agreed upon objec- rent job description”, “We sup- Board issues - we weren’t cross- tools OLBA has collected for
6 InsideOLBA Winter 2008
One more Education Institute session for trustees on budget development
nternationally recognized trustee development. Informa- them as necessary for future Ken Haycock, Director of tion gleaned from evaluations use. Most importantly, act upon ISan José State University can be used in developing or the results! School of Library and revising recruitment, orienta- Information Science, the tion and training policies, pro- Resources world’s largest library school, cedures and strategic plans. BoardSource. (2003). “Self-assessment continues his association with for nonprofit governing boards.” Retrieved the Leadership by Design proj- October 10, 2007 from http://www.board- ect. Ken was a trustee and a Include CEO source.org/Bookstore.asp?Item=184 municipal councillor in West I encourage you to include Loucks, Randee. (2000). How well have you governed? [Electronic version]. Trustee Vancouver when he was Dean CEOs in Board evaluation Tips, Issue No. 21. Retrieved October 10, of the University of British same time on Wednesday, activities. They are a key player 2007 from http://www.sols.org/publications/ trusteetips/Tip21e.pdf. Columbia’s Library School. January 23. on your governance teams. Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, In rethinking what would be While the first two sessions Authenticity Consulting, LLC. (2007). Free most useful for the project, this, have already been given, they Complete Toolkit for Boards. Authenticity Administering Consulting, LLC. Retrieved October 10, 2007 the fifth element (see page 1), are available on CD from the assessments from http://www.managementhelp.org/ has been revamped to focus OLAStore. Part One on You have a few options for boards/boards.htm. each season on a new topic from “Budget Planning and administering and reviewing the T the “Your Path to Library Presentation” and Part Two on evaluations. In most cases your Leadership” chart on the back “Analysis of Financial of Cut to the Chase. Documents”may be ordered toll Governance Committee will be free by phone 1-866-873-9867 able to create and administer an Are you on the Budget is the beginning or toll free by FAX 1-800-387- assessment tool, compile the The first series this fall has 1181 ($54. plus GST each). results and present them to the OLBA listserv? been on financial policy and The OLAStore at Super entire Board in a general way. If budget development in the Conference Jan. 30-Feb. 2 will the Board is struggling, or if municipal context. have all three CDs available for there are contentious issues, it The OLBA members' listserv Finance has been an ideal purchase. may be advisable to bring in a promotes interaction among all topic with which to begin since third party, independent from OLBA members. This commu- boards at this time of year turn The new series for spring: the Board, to administer the nication tool is yours to use their attention to evaluating Strategic Planning assessment or at least to com- when you have a question at how well their libraries have Set aside Feb. 19 or 20, been adhering to their previous March 18 or 19, April 15 or 16, pile and report on the results. any time. You have the collec- year’s budgets and planning for and May 13 or 14 for the next tive expertise of hundreds of their fiscal needs in the upcom- series of specialized trustee ses- Leadership by Design trustees to draw on for answers! ing 2008 budgets. sions. can help OLBA also uses the listserv Financial oversight is a key Haycock is planning the new OLBA, as part of its to keep you up-to-date on pro- part of your commitment to series around Strategic Planning Leadership By Design Program, grams and activities in which accountable public library gov- as the Key to Achieving Library is developing an assessment you will want to take a part – ernance. This means more than Board Goals. He will be bring- tool. It will become available by like the Haycock audioconfer- approving a budget or financial ing his astute observations to early next year. In the mean- ences. report. It means truly under- the assessment and analysis of time, there are several examples To join the listserv, send an standing the contents of those library strengths and weakness- of Board evaluation tools avail- e-mail message to member- reports and their implications. es matched against similar It means ensuring that the allo- assessment and analysis of a able for your consideration. [email protected] asking cation of the budget aligns with community’s needs. From this, that your name be added to this Many are generic, suitable for board priorities. he will show you how to build any kind of non-corporate service – it is available to all your strategic plan in one day. organization. A few sources are OLBA members. To send a Third budget session The fourth session looks at listed below. Look at several. message to all the members of in January ways to monitor and tweak Take what you like from them. the list, use the listname The third and final session, plans over multiple years. Adapt them to suit the needs of address: [email protected]. “The Budget as an Advocacy Check out the OLBA’s Web your particular library and Subscribe today to ensure Tool” will be presented on site to learn more about these board. Try them out. Revise you are connected. T Tuesday, January 22 at 7 p.m. developing sessions as detail Eastern time, and again at the becomes available. T 7 ONTARIO LIBRARY BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION
Ontario Library Boards’ Association Council 2007 InsideOLBA Ontario Library Boards’ EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS Association / a division of the PRESIDENT Central Region East 2007- Ontario Library Association, Membership, Web Site, 2009, SOLS Council #5,6 50 Wellington St. East, Suite 201, Leadership Development, Awards Toronto M5E 1C8 Education Institute, FOPL, Jane Hilton 416-363-3388 or CLA/CLTA Liaison 66 Henderson Drive 1-866-873-9867 toll free Whitby L1N 7Y9 FAX 416-941-9581 or Catherine Dowd FAX 1-800-387-1181 toll free 1 Olive Crescent, Unit #8 Board: Whitby W (416) 326-7651 Orillia L3V 7N5 InsideOLBA describes the decisions and Board: Orillia [email protected] activities of OLBA leadership, explains W (705) 329-6885 H (905) 666-4655 OLBA program and provides news about FAX (705) 329-6887 Ontario's public library boards.
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