Prepared/Provided by the County of Napa
LIBRARY COMMISSIONER
JOB DESCRIPTION
Type of position: Volunteer
Duration: 3 years (unless filling a partial term); reappointments at the discretion of appointing authority.
Primary responsibility:
On behalf of all residents, advise the Library Director, the County Board of Supervisors and local appointing authorities on matters pertaining to the library, and advocate on the Library's behalf. Ensure an ongoing flow of information between the Library, the Community and the elected officials.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to the library's importance and its essential role in the community • Willingness to invest time and effort in their duties and to use meeting time productively and efficiently
• Ability to listen, to consider differing points of view, and to work well with others • Tested leadership skills in business, education or community • Enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, good judgment and creativity • Understanding of, and commitment to, the stewardship role of the Commission • Demonstrated support for freedom of access, both physical and intellectual Ongoing Responsibilities:
1. Attend regular board meetings, trainings and retreats, in an effort to understand the functions of librarianship (public services, technical services, administrative services, and technology) as well as issues and challenges facing libraries in general, and the Napa CityCounty Library in particular. Read materials in advance, ask questions, and make informed recommendations. Become familiar with the legal and regulatory environment that governs library and library commission operations, including, but not limited to, the Library Commission's by-laws, the Brown Act, the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Confidentiality requirements.
2. Report to appointing authority at least once per year (more frequently if specific issues arise), highlighting the activities, accomplishments, and concerns of the library in general, and of the local library in particular.
3. Gain familiarity with the budgeting process. Review monthly and annual financial statements. Become familiar with physical facility needs and resources, and ensure that plans for facility maintenance and capital improvement are in place.
4. Ensure and participate in long range planning for the Library, and that needs of all segments of our community are assessed and considered. Ensure that all policies developed and recommended by the Commission are consistent with the approved plan.
5. Serve as needed as an active member of a working committee of the Commission.
6. Act as an advocate for legislation and funding that will help to meet the identified needs of the community and the library. Act as an advocate for the library to the community and as an advocate for the community to the library.