Recordings & Resources

High-performing boards are also high-performing teams. However, just like other types of teams, boards can be challenging. At times, collaboration can lead to innovative, amazing solutions that one person alone could not have created. On the other hand, boards can get caught up in ineffective conflict, resentment, and decreased effectiveness. In this workshop, we will explore the research and best practices on leading teams and how that applies to library boards. We will examine what makes teams effective and successful, and what makes them fall flat. You will have the opportunity to analyze your board to determine how it can become more effective and successful. You will leave with an action plan for your next steps to making your board into a high-performing team.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the behaviors and practices of successful teams and boards
• Learn research-based advice to make your trustee board more effective
• Create an action plan to begin the process of helping your board become more effective

Panelists: John Thompson, Bruce Gay, and Jaime Healy-Plotkin

Unsure of how library systems function in Wisconsin? Confused on how Chapter 43 affects libraries? Three panelists, including two library system directors and a library and system board trustee, will be available to discuss frequently asked questions of Wisconsin library trustees. Their combined experiences of trustee training, years of leadership, and board service will shed some light on even the most confusing topics.  Whether you are a seasoned library trustee or a newcomer, this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and be part of a worthwhile discussion.

Presenter: Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, Libraries Thrive

If you ask most library board members what the most important part of their job is, many will say it’s hiring the director. That’s only half right. After hiring, their job has just begun. Like every other person at the library, the director needs support, motivation, encouragement, growth, challenge and feedback in order to be successful. In other words, boards can’t just hire a director, they have to manage them, too. This webinar will describe how to create a healthy, effective and supportive relationship between the board and the library director that can help both the individuals and the organizations involved succeed.

Presented by Karen Rose, Principal Consultant for Library Strategies

Your community needs a new library but public funding comes up short. Consider expanding your funding resources to include private donors and build the library your community deserves.  Learn the steps to conducting a successful capital campaign, including feasibility studies, campaign planning and leadership recruitment. 

Presenter: Cindy Fesemyer, Director of the Columbus (WI) Public Library

Which communities are served by your library? What are the aspirations of those communities? How can your library help them get there? These answers can be found via your planning process. Cindy Fesemyer will walk you through the steps you might take as you begin planning for your library and the community it serves. Starting with a brief peek at data collection options, the webinar will focus on what it means for your library to "turn outward" and secure its place at the heart of your community.