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Board Member Job Description
General Information
Serving on the ACLA Board is a volunteer activity that greatly benefits libraries and library users in Allegheny County. ACLA recognizes that being a Board member requires an unusual level of civic commitment and personal time. Libraries appreciate that sacrifice, and the ACLA staff will endeavor to assist the Board in making the most effective use of your time.
ACLA staff is also committed to communicating with Board members regularly. Intermittent updates will be sent out to keep the Board informed of developments, new issues, or matters that require your attention. It is extremely helpful if all Board members have email accounts to assist in this process. Board members who do not have personal or business accounts to access can be provided with accounts through the eiNetwork. These accounts can be accessed from your home computer if you have an Internet connection or at your local library. The ACLA staff will assist you in establishing such an account and training you in using the system.
ACLA Board members serve three-year terms and are eligible for a second full term, after which they are required to rotate off the Board. To help you in understanding what will be required as a Board member, we have isolated the following expectations"
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I. Attendance
- BOARD MEETING: The Board meets monthly with no regularly scheduled meetings in July, August,
and December. As the Board is so small regular attendace by all Board members is necessary to ensure
smooth operations.
The Agenda, Minutes, monthly Treasurer's Report (if available), and a report form the Executive Director are sent out the week prior to a scheduled Board meeting. The meetings themselves usually last no more than 1 1/2 to 2 hours and are held in the ACLA offices. Light refreshments are generally provided.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS: The General Membership meets quarterly usually in January, April, and October with an annual banquet in June. Board members are encouraged to attend these meetings where there is direct dialogue with representatives from member libraries.
PLANNING SESSIONS: In addition the Board from time to time holds strategic planning sessions (usually at least once early in the year in January and February). These sessions are extremely important in setting the direction for the organization.
II. Committee Work
- Board members are expected to serve on Standing or Ad Hoc committees at the request of the President.
Every attempt will be made to schedule meetings at the convenience of the Board members.
III. Representation
- Board members are expected to represent various agencies, either regions of libraries
or other constituencies. Communication is critical in maintaining positive Board/Library
relationships.
Regional representatives should attempt to meet with those libraries in a joint session at least once a year (there are regional conveners who can assist in scheduling these meetings, as well as ACLA staff). In addition regional representatives should attempt to personally visit the libraries you represent to familiarize yourselves with the unique needs those libraries may have.