» Board Members

» So, You're Thinking About Joining the Library Board?

What does the Library Board do?
Under provincial legislation, the Board is charged with seeking "to provide, in co-operation with other boards, a comprehensive and efficient public library service that reflects the community's unique needs."

The Board has three major roles:

How much commitment do I need to make?
The library board meets once a month on the third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. There are also various subcommittees of the board including personnel, finance, safety, and fundraising. Each member of the board is a member of at least one committee. Finally, there are three executive positions on the board including Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. These positions are up for nominations and renewal on a yearly basis.

Other opportunities include:

• The board sends one member a year to the Parkland Regional Library conference in Jasper. The conference is always the last weekend (Thurs - Sunday) in April. This is a great opportunity for new board members to get a large picture of libraries in Alberta and take advantage of a professional development opportunity.
• Parkland Regional Library offers board training workshops. These are a great opportunity for board members to learn what their roles and responsibilities are. It is suggested that each board member attend one of these workshops during their term.
• The Parkland Regional Library holds an annual conference each year. This is yet another opportunity for professional development.
• The Alberta Library Trustee Association makes available a wide range of learning materials for board members who wish to do some training on their own. You can feel free to check out this website to find out more about library boards in general.
  

So How Do You Join?
Town Council makes citizen appointments to agencies, boards and commissions, including Olds Public Library Board. All you need to do is download the application form and drop it off or email it to the town of olds attention CAO and Council Assistant.

» Board Minutes and Documents

» Board Recommended Websites

• Olds Municipal Library

• Olds Municipal Library - Staff

• Municipal Affairs and Housing
¤ The Governement of Alberta Ministry that govern all Alberta Libraries. Contains legislative information: example policies, Provincial Library Service information, Directory of Alberta Public Libraries, library news, Plans of Service examples, system membership, funding information, library histories, and other useful links.

• Alberta Library Act Online & Library Regulations
¤ The legislation that govern libraries - board members are required to read and understand. Part 1, 3 and 5 of the Library Act and Part 1, 3 and 7 in the regulations pertain to municipal Library Boards.

• Alberta Libraries Trustee Association
¤ A support organization for library boards in Alberta. The goal is to help trustees become more informed and effective during their term of office. Go here for trustee resources and education, website links, employment and recruitment resources, and event and workshop information.

• Parkland Regional Library
¤ The Olds Municipal Library belongs to the Parkland Regional Library System. Our municipality and our county pay membership to PRL on our behalf, on top of the municipal appropriation contribution to libraries. The PRL website is a source of information about what the library system offers - start by clicking 'Public Libraries'.

• The Alberta Library (TAL)
¤ Responsible for the coordination of library service throughout the entire province. Created in 1997, The Alberta Library has grown into an award-winning consortium of over 290 member libraries that work to promote barrier-free access to information, ideas and culture. Members include public, university, college, technical institute and special libraries. Internationally recognized for collaboration and innovation, The Alberta Library is the result of the library community coming together to find better ways of providing services. By being a member of the Alberta Library our patrons have access to any library in Alberta.

• The Library Association of Alberta
¤ Provides education and information to board members and staff. TLA Alberta advocate on behalf of libraries and provide valuable materials to libraries. They are responsible for much of the education of libraries and are a major partner in the annual library conference.

• The Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN)
¤ Electronically connects libraries through the Community Access Program, SuperNet, and other electronic resources. Funded by Alberta Municipal Affairs, APLEN is responsible for setting the vision and direction of the program in consultation with public libraries.