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PHILADELPHIA — United for Libraries has debuted “Short Takes for Trustees,” a series of 10 short videos (8-10 minutes each) that can be shown during Trustee meetings to stimulate discussion about the important role that Trustees play in the governance of their libraries.

Topics in the series explain the basics, such as what it means to be a Trustee (including the fiduciary responsibilities of governing boards, as well as the limits of an advisory board), how to set policy, how to evaluate the library director, board self evaluation and the ethical and parliamentary standards for boards — both governing and advisory.

“Very often Trustees don't fully understand their roles - especially between governance and management,” said United for Libraries Executive Director Sally Gardner Reed. “We are very pleased to be offering these short webcasts for directors to use to help further educate and orient their board members.”

The courses are:

• What It Means to Be a Trustee
• Board Meetings
• Board Ethics
• Library Advocacy
• Library Policies
• Strategic Planning
• Working with Friends
• Evaluating the Library Director
• Board Self Evaluation
• Succession Planning and New Board Orientation.

Through March 31, United for Libraries is offering “Short Takes for Trustees” at $69 for United for Libraries members. After that, the cost is $79 for United for Libraries members. The cost for non-members is $99. Further discounts are available for bulk purchases for state and regional library systems. Purchase includes one year of access. Access to videos is available 24/7 through Adobe Connect.

To purchase “Short Takes for Trustees,” email united@ala.org or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161. For more information, visit .

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91��ý that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, Friends, and Foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.

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