Policy on Selection of Board Members

The recommendation will be based on the following Criteria:

• Nominees should have recognition of the library’s importance as a center of information, of community culture, recreation and continuing education.
• Nominees should have an interest in the work of the public library, a commitment to its goals, the ability to work as a team member, and a willingness to ask questions, offer criticism and make suggestions. They should also have the courage to plan creatively, and to withstand pressures, prejudices and provincialism.
• Consideration will be given to a diversity of interests, a balance of age, sex, ethnic background and socio-economic levels; and experience and/or knowledge in a variety of fields.
• The composition of the Board should include members with: professional experience in law, education, accounting, personnel and labor relations; practical business experience, executive ability, management skills, building construction, technology, marketing and customer service. Political savvy and common sense are welcome attributes.
• Because of the unique requirements of the Madison Public Library for general funding and support, consideration will be given to people who are active in community affairs.
• A readiness to devote time and effort to carrying out the duties of trusteeship is necessary. This is a “working Board,” requiring every member to lend his/her time and talents, energy and enthusiasm. Attendance will be required at special meetings as well as regular meetings, long-range planning workshops, etc.
• A commitment to intellectual freedom is essential.

The Process of Selection shall include:

• appointment of a nominating committee by the President of the Board of Trustees by July 1 of each year, charged with recommending nominees for appointment to the Board;
• distribution of “Madison Public Library Application for Appointment to The Board of Trustees” and “Responsibilities of Trustees”;
• review of questionnaires by the nominating committee;
• review of applications from previous two years;
• personal interviews with the top three or four candidates by the nominating committee;
• recommendation from the committee to the Board of the persons it believes meet the qualifications and/or special skills needed to balance those represented by the continuing Board members;
• action by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the committee;
• transmittal of that action to the Madison Local School Board of Education in a timely manner.