Trustees and Friends Institute Agenda

Program Descriptions for 2009 Institute for Trustees and Friends
‘Trustees and Friends Together:
Using Best Practices for Better Libraries’

(DRAFT)

Friday April 3 in Pittsburgh

* The starred sessions are recommended topics for Friends as well as Trustees.

1:30-1:45PM Greetings, Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Libraries, Gary Wolfe, PCBL (in Pittsburgh) and “Tips on Getting the Most out of Your Institute,” Bonnie Young, Head, Public Libraries and Professional Development

1:45-2:45 Keynote Address – Karen Hyman – Title?

2:45-3:15 Two Group Sessions: “Best Practices Checklist – How Do You Measure Up?”

· Trustees Discussion – Facilitated by Michael Kumer, Executive Director, Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University
· Friends Discussion – Facilitated by Sally G. Reed, Executive Director, FOLUSA

3:15 Refreshment Break

3:30-4:45 Concurrent Sessions Round 1

*Fundraising – Dee Jay Oshry

This session covers fundraising in a difficult economic climate and the role of Trustees and Friends in effecting successful fundraising.

* Friends and Trustees: Different Roles – Same Goals! – Sally G. Reed, Executive Director, FOLUSA

While Trustees and Friends have very different roles in working for the library, they share the over-arching commitment to give their time in order to ensure that their community has the best library possible. This program will share ideas and strategies on how these different formalized lay groups can work effectively together to strengthen their libraries through fundraising and advocacy!

Strategic Thinking/Strategic Planning – Michael Kumer, Executive Director, Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University

Confused by conflicting ideas about strategic planning? Well, you’re not alone! Attend this session and learn how libraries ensure a thriving future by crafting, monitoring and constantly updating exciting, relevant plans. Topics will include: compelling visions, missions that matters; and strategies that effectively connect- the-dots.

*“Web 2.0: What in the World is a Wiki? (New Technology for Libraries 101)”

5:00 Cash Bar

6:00 Dinner

7:00 Table Talks – After dinner, tables will be numbered, with a specific topic and a discussion facilitator. You may choose to sit at whatever table topic interests you.

Saturday April 4 in Pittsburgh

* The starred sessions are recommended topics for Friends as well as Trustees.

8:00 Buffet Breakfast

8:45-9:00 “Library Certification Program” (Title?) – James Hollinger, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Library Development

9:00-9:30 *Harrisburg Update and Hands-on Advocacy – Glenn Miller, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Library Association

Learn what’s happening up-to-the-minute, and take that first step with some direct communication with your legislators.

9:45-10:45 Concurrent Sessions Round 2

*“Advocacy 24/7” – Janice Trapp

Non-Profit Dos and Don’ts: Ensuring Effectiveness – Fernando Chang-Muy, Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Learn about the key components of an organization and how standards helps an organization become more focused in planning and organizational efforts. Learn how to energize the Board and staff, increase credibility with donors and the public, assess the library’s capacity, how to use standards as a way to promote the highest level of public confidence.

HR/ Personnel Issues – Alan Carlos Blanco, Esquire

*Panel Discussion: Your Library’s Image in the Community – Veronica Pacella, Ellwood City Area Public Library Director, Bill Schell, Martin Memorial Library Director, and one other
image – public perception. In York, we want to be perceived as useful and valuable. Our marketing plan is to innovate (be creative), to navigate (direct our service to our customers needs), and to penetrate (capture public and private revenues to afford results). Strategic planning, board leadership, and responsive services are necessary elements to a positive image. (Edit)

10:45 Refreshment Break

11:00-12:00 Concurrent Sessions Round 3

Legal Responsibilities of Trustees – Fernando Chang-Muy, Professor, University of Pennsylvania
Learn about the general role and duties of the Board, how to develop procedures for recruiting, nominating and orienting Board members, how to involve and engage non-contributing Board members, and how to develop and use Board manuals and efficient action oriented meetings and agendas.

*”That’s What Friends Are For: A Panel of Success Stories”- PCBL (Moderator: Al Kamper in Pittsburgh)
*Three different sized Friends Groups share how- to tips on projects, programs and people power with question and answer networking time.

*Building a New Library (Title) – Diana Megdad, Keystone Grant Advisor(?)

*Questions about Trustee Certification? – Members of the Trustee Certification Committee

12:30 *Lunch and Action Plans – Michael Kumer leads the planning session during lunch
What are your plans when you return to your library? What will you share with your fellow board members? What will you accomplish to improve your libraries?

1:45 Adjourn