Resources
For Library Trustees in New York State
This 2018 revision of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State is a continuation of a decades long effort to provide library trustees with a readable and concise reference to assist them in the performance of their duties. It can be downloaded in its entirety or the sections can be accessed individually from the links below. In addition, the New York State Division of Library Development has many resources on their website to assist Trustees.
Complete Handbook
Download the complete Handbook for Library Trustees in New York State in pdf format.
Individual sections can also be downloaded from the links below.
Register for the next session of the online Trustee Handbook Book Club.
Download complete Handbook
Library Development
The New York State Division of Library Development is a strong voice for library services at all levels. We assist librarians, trustees, public officials and community leaders with new ways of making library services and resources available to people of all ages.
Visit the websiteDownload the sections from the Handbook for Trustees from the links below:
Library Network in New York State | Laws & Regulations | Trustee Duties & Responsibilities | Orientation of New Trustees | Library Board Organization | Library Board Meetings | Risk Management | Library Policies | Ethics & Conflicts of Interest | Personnel | Budgets & Finance | Planning & Evaluation | Access to Library Services | Facilities | Technology | Public Relations & Advocacy | Library Friends & Foundations | Intellectual Freedom, Censorship & Privacy | Board Development | Conclusion |
Additional Resources
Laws Governing Libraries in NYS | Library Bill of Rights | Election Responsibilities | NYS Property Tax Cap FAQs | Public Library District Questions and Answers | Lessons Learned: Advice From Libraries That Have Re-chartered | Public Library Investments | Map of Public Library Systems in New York State
Legislative Agenda
Other Sources of Information
In addition to the documents above, there are a number of other resources for Trustees that are online at the websites noted below. Library Trustees are encouraged to visit these websites to learn more. If you have questions, you can ask them here.
Library Trustees Association section of NYLA
Library Trustees Association (LTAS) is a section of the New York Library Association (NYLA) that represents, assists, educates, and honors public library boards and their trustees as providers of universal library service.
Visit the website
Nioga Library System By-laws
Nioga Library System's By-laws were enacted in 1959 and most recently amended in 2018.
Visit the website
New York Library Association (NYLA)
NYLA leads, educates, and advocates for the advancement of the New York library community. NYLA has always been devoted to the promotion of the library interests of the entire state. It has contributed to a notable system of modern libraries throughout the state.
Visit the website
NYLA Sustainability Initiative
NYLA's Sustainability Initiative provides a select group of New York's library leaders with the time and space to articulate the way libraries will adapt to our changing world as co-creators in shaping strategies that ensure our libraries remain vital, are able to rebound from disruption and provide on-going value to the communities they serve.
Get more information
Nioga Library System Plan of Service
The Five Year Plan of Service is a planning document which identifies, organizes, and provides an overview of the Nioga Library System’s service programming. The Plan contains what the system proposes to accomplish in order to meet the needs of our communities, region and New York State.
Visit the website
State of America's Libraries Report
The release of the American Library Association’s (ALA) State of America's Libraries Report showed library staff in every state faced an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books in 2021. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school and university materials and services in 2021, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals.
Get more information about ALA