Financial responsibilities of library boards

Abstract

Purpose

To guide library directors and their boards when financial issues arise – especially in finding a good balance on the level of involvement that the library board should have.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a list of nine key responsibilities that can guide library board members when they deal with library finances.

Findings

It is impossible to have a library board and not have it involved in financial issues important to the management of the institution. Without proper guidance and management, board members cannot participate with the library in these issues in a meaningful way.

Originality/value

By listing nine responsibilities as examples, library directors can determine what responsibilities they want for their boards, and avoid some problems others have witnessed in other boards.

Citation

Holt, G.E. (2005), "Financial responsibilities of library boards", The Bottom Line, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 133-137. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880450510613605