Calgary Public Library - Library Board and Leadership

Role and Responsibility

Participate actively in a wide range of activities in support of the mandate of the Library Board.

The Calgary Public Library Board (Board) is appointed by The City of Calgary, and is governed by the Alberta Libraries Act, the Alberta Libraries Regulation, The City of Calgary Bylaws, and other relevant legislation. The Board has the authority for full management and control of The Calgary Public Library, and assumes with that authority, the duty to develop policies related to the framework, governance, and operation of the Library.

Specific duties include

Policy development:

Determining and adopting written policies to govern the operations and programs of The Calgary Public Library.

Strategic planning:

Identifying needs and approving appropriate plans to ensure that library services are responsive to changing circumstances and accessible to all.

Advocacy:

Ensuring that the important and essential role of the Library in the community is communicated clearly.
Ensuring that its value and contribution are understood and appreciated by all key stakeholders.
Taking a role in initiating and supporting legislative change to advance service goals.

Financial management and fund development:

Ensuring that community needs for library service are met in a cost-effective manner.
Developing and recommending to City Council required operating and capital budgets.
Seeking other types of funding to diversify The Calgary Public Library’s funding base, including fundraising.

Promotions:

Active and ongoing promotion of library services in the community.

Pre-Requisites:

At least 18 years of age.
A Canadian citizen.
A resident of the city of Calgary.
Not employed by the Library Board.
Supportive of the values and committed to advancing the work of the organization.
Willing and able to devote the necessary time to carry out responsibilities as a Board Member. This includes preparation and attendance at meetings, planning sessions and other Library and community events as required, and participating in ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the Library.

Required Skill Sets:

Strong general level of awareness of the community which the Library serves.
Familiarity with the opportunities and challenges faced by publicly funded organizations.
Appropriate communication skills and the willingness and the ability to represent the Library in the community.
Readiness and ability to contribute and actively participate in Board initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to function in a collaborative environment with many key stakeholders and community partners.
Commitment to ongoing personal growth and development as a Board Member.

Related background, education or experience in one or more of the following areas:

Policy development.
Strategic planning.
Advocacy.
Financial management and fund development.
Promotions and marketing.

Time Commitments:

The Board and each Committee meet monthly, except in August. Board meetings typically start at 5:30 p.m.; Committee meetings at noon. Additional meetings may be called for special purposes, such as strategic planning, usually on an annual basis.

Board Members are expected to attend meetings regularly, make time available for the reading and preparation necessary for informed decision-making, and attend a variety of special Library and community events, totaling approximately 10 - 12 hours per month. Some Board Members may be expected to serve on affiliated boards, involving additional meetings during evenings and weekends.