Library Trustees

Trustee Corner – November 2020

By Crystal Schimpf: Published on
Library Trustees
The side door of the Limon Public Library, painted to look like a book shelf with colorful titles on display.
Limon Public Library, side entrance.

The Trustee Corner is a monthly series featuring information of interest to public library boards. Topics include training opportunities, legal issues, helpful information, and relevant news impacting public library governance. The information included in this newsletter is for informational purposes, and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your library’s attorney with any questions about your specific situation.

 

In this issue:

  • Disaster Recovery Resources
  • Health Guidance by COVID-19 Phase
  • Call for Volunteers: CALCON 2021
  • Register: November Trustee Training Events
  • Sign Up: United for Libraries Self-Paced Learning

Disaster Recovery Resources

In the past year, Colorado has seen record-setting wildfires. Several Colorado library jurisdictions were located in evacuation zones for these fires, and one public library was very close to the direct path of the wildfire. While it may not be possible to predict a natural disaster, it is important to be prepared. These resources can help your library create a plan for recovering from a disaster, in the unfortunate event that one should impact your region.

Health Guidance by COVID-19 Phase

Colorado continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases and recently release a COVID-19 dial framework to track the status of each county using key metrics. This dial, along with the latest statewide public health order, provides guidelines for the level at which each county can open, based on their progress.

The Colorado State Library recently published a document to provide support for local decision making related to library service modifications and safety measures. Colorado Public Libraries: Health Guidance by COVID-19 Phase was drafted in coordination with other statewide agencies (CDPHE, CDE, and the Governor’s Office), and with input from public library leadership.

This health guidance has been drafted in light of evolving scientific knowledge about the spread of COVID-19 among individuals, as well as real-world disease control knowledge acquired through months of experience at the state and local level. Input was solicited from both internal and external stakeholders, and their comments and suggestions were instrumental in developing practical, broadly applicable guidance. The recommendations are organized by the level of COVID-19 incidence in the community: Stay at Home (high level of COVID-19), Safer at Home (mid-level of COVID-19), and Protect Our Neighbors (lower level of COVID-19).

Public library leadership is encouraged to reference the Colorado Public Libraries: Health Guidance by COVID-19 Phase when making local decisions, and to also consult local health authorities when appropriate. Additional resources can be found at Restoration of Library Services During COVID-19: Resources for Decision Makers.

Call for Volunteers: CALCON 2021

The Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) is seeking volunteers to help plan the the next conference (CALCON 2021). In order to provide a quality learning experiences, it takes the input and involvement of library trustees. As we begin planning for the 2021 conference, CAL is seeking new volunteers to provide input on trustee programs, and to help shape the Trustee Track.

Would you be willing to offer some of your time and energy to help improve and continue the Trustee Track at CALCON 2021? No prior experience necessary. Here are a few of the volunteer opportunties:

  • Review Trustee Track program proposals for inclusion in the conference.
  • Join the Trustee Track planning subcommittee for CALCON.
  • Become a Trustee Track ambassador at CALCON 2021.

Sign up to indicate an interest in volunteering for the CALCON 2021 Trustee Track, and to receive updates about these volunteer opportunities.

November Trustee Training Events

The Colorado State Library will offer two FREE virtual training events for library trustees in November. Pre-registration is required for both events, and space is limited. View more details about Virtual Learning for Library Trustees in November.

  • Library Board Essentials (for Governing Boards)
     Thursday, November 12, 10:00-11:30am
  • Trustee Talk: Library Values & Ethics
    Thursday, November 19, 4:00-5:00pm

 

 

Sign Up for United for Libraries Self-Paced Learning Pilot

Are you looking for more ways to learn about your role as a library trustee? Would you like to be able to learn in your own time? Would your library’s board benefit from access to quality content from the national association for library trustees, United for Libraries?

The Colorado State Library is exploring the possibility of a pilot project in 2021 for United for Libraries Self-Paced Learning Content. This pilot would include access to the Trustee Academy, Short Takes for Trustees, Tips Sheets, and recorded webinar archives. This pilot would also include access to the recordings from the 2020 United for Libraries Virtual Conference. This content addresses a range of topics relevant to library boards, and may be of interest to new and continuing library trustees.

This pilot project will be available to Colorado public library trustees, boards, and administrators for 6 months (tentatively January-June 2021). Pilot participants will be asked to provide feedback about their experience to help determine the future of the project. The Colorado State Library will be covering the cost for access to this content.

This pilot project will have limited space. Sign up to be notified when more information is available.

Stay Connected

Be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook. Interested in receiving Trustee-related updates via email? Sign up for the Colorado Library Trustees  (COLT) email list.

Did you miss the October issue? View it, and more, at the Library Trustees page of the Colorado Virtual Library. 

Crystal Schimpf
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