Bulverde Area Rural Library District
Trustee Training Resources
Library Associations
Texas State Library and Archives Commission Our library submits annual statistics and receives accreditation from the state library which allows us to qualify for grants and interlibrary loan services and reimbursement
American Library Association (ALA) Lobbies for libraries nationally and establishes accreditation for library schools master’s degree programs; holds annual conferences; provides training for libraries
Public Library Association (PLA) A division of ALA whose bi-annual conference has topics more relevant to our library; provides training for libraries
Texas Library Association (TLA) Hosts an annual conference which we encourage our employees to attend; provides training for libraries
Partners Library Action Network (PLAN) A Texas non-profit specifically supporting smaller libraries; provides training and contracts for discounts from vendors for members; holds the annual summer reading performance showcase
United for Libraries a national network of enthusiastic library supporters who believe in the importance of libraries as the social and intellectual centers of communities and campuses. No one has a stronger voice for libraries than those who use them, raise money for them, and govern them. By uniting these voices, library supporters everywhere will become a real force to be reckoned with at the local, state, and national levels. Our board can access training for free via the state resources, you must create an account to login: https://www.ala.org/united/stateaccess
Public Information Act
The Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552 Texas statute on public information
Public Information Act Handbook – Texas Attorney General The Texas Public Information Act sets requirements for the ability of citizens to access information on action taken by governmental bodies. This transparency provides Texans with a more omplete understanding of how their government works, and, when necessary, provides them an opportunity to hold their public officials accountable.
About the Public Information Act – Texas State Library and Archives Commission Recap of the Public Information Act produced by the TSLAC
Open Meetings Act
Required Open Meeting Training for Trustees Effective January 1, 2006, elected and appointed public officials are required by a state law to receive training in Texas open government laws. The Office of the Attorney General offers free video training courses, which were developed in compliance with a mandate from the 79th Texas Legislature that the Attorney General establish the formal training necessary to ensure that all elected and appointed government officials have a good command of both open records and open meetings laws. We are required to have a copy of your Open Meetings Act certification within 6 months of your taking office
Public Funds Investment Act
Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA)
Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) Training Options through TML Includes options for training from TML for Public Funds Investment Act. New Trustee Treasurers need 10 hours in the first year, then 10 hours over the next two years to maintain regulations.
PFIA online training from virtual learning concepts An online link to PFIA training. Ask Library Director to get a $25 off coupon through TML.
Trustee Training Resources
United for Libraries – Trustee Academy The Trustee Academy is a series of online courses to help Trustees become exceptionally proficient in their roles on behalf of their libraries. All of the online courses are taught by a professional in the field and are priced both a la carte so individual attendees can pick and choose what courses are important to them, and as a full curriculum that will reflect discounted pricing per course. In addition, a board of Trustees can sign up for further discounts. Login: texaslibraries Pswd: lonestar1845
Texas Library Districts
Texas Statutes Chapter 326 – In Texas, a Library District is a legally defined area with a percentage of collected sales taxes going to support the local library as established by this code.
Texas Library Districts Discussion Group website The Library District Discussion Group (a standing committee of the Texas Library Association) hosts a biannual meeting of library directors and trustees each February and August. The meetings include presentations by various districts on topics of interest.
Sign up for the Texas Library District List Serv Discuss library issues in depth with other library directors and trustees through a list serve administered by the Texas State Library.
Other Resources
Texas Public Library Statistics and Accreditation Public libraries are accredited in the Government Code 441.127(a), Library Systems, under the authority of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Annually, public libraries must submit a statistics report to the state by April 30 to remain accredited.
Expect More – Demanding Better Libraries For Today’s Complex World David Lankes walks you through what to expect out of your library. Lankes argues that, to thrive, communities need libraries that go beyond bricks and mortar, and beyond books and literature.