Reading and understanding laws and regulations can be daunting, even more so when you are a trustee or on a library board. This session will focus on demystifying the law and will focus on specific statutes and cases that affect Wisconsin libraries as well as a discussion of how to best answer legal questions when they inevitably arise. Topics covered include open meeting laws, statutory delegation of library board authority, basics of legal research, and more. When the session has concluded, you will be able to better locate and answer legal questions that you may face as a library board member and also know what resources are available to you to get these difficult and stressful questions answered.
 

Whether you're newly appointed or looking to refresh your knowledge, Trustee 101 provides Wisconsin library trustees with the foundational understanding needed to govern effectively and support their libraries with confidence. This informative session offers a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of a library trustee.
Learning Objectives:

• Understand the structure and governance of public libraries in Wisconsin.
• Identify key responsibilities and legal duties of library trustees.
• Gain a basic understanding of library funding, policy, and personnel oversight.
• Learn how planning and statewide standards guide long-term library success.

• Before you start:  Quorum
• The Roadmap:  Agendas, standard order of business, consent agenda, public input
• Setting the tone:  Small board rules versus more formal procedures
• Managing discussion:  Overview of making and processing motions 
• Open and Closed session: Overview of the procedure  

If you’re not telling your library story to stakeholders, library users, or policymakers, who is? This webinar will be especially important for those who want to ensure the great work their library is doing is known by decision makers.

In this webinar, learners will:

• Identify the elements of powerful library stories
• Recognize ways humans are wired to engage story
• Evaluate an advocacy storytelling model and examples of its use
• Craft and share a short story draft that applies to your library to take with you
• Learn where you can find resources on recommended storymaking policies and procedures for your library