The document discusses the roles and responsibilities of library trustees. It outlines three major challenges for trustees: learning the job, governing the library, and becoming part of the board team. Trustees should get to know other board members, the director, and understand the job requires their best effort. The document also outlines policies boards are required to have, hiring and evaluating the director, planning for the future, monitoring finances and goals, serving as ambassadors, and advocating for the library in the community.

1. Making Trustees into Good Ambassadors Don W. Barlow Executive Director Westerville Public Library OLC Annual Conference October 12, 2007

22. Articulate: What are the issues? What are our goals? What is our objective?

24. Library Advocacy is all about getting others to tell our story

25. Telling the Library Story A few carefully chosen statistics can be impressive - Quotable Facts About Libraries Stories bring the library message to life The most effective stories are not about what the library does. They are about the people who use and benefit from our libraries.

26. Library Advocacy requires a sustained effort by Library Trustees, staff, friend’s, customers, etc.

27. Success = • Clear goals and objectives • A clear message • Speaking with a unified voice • A network of advocates • A communication plan • Enthusiasm • Leadership