Southern Ontario Library Service

EXCEL: A certificate programme in managing a small public library

E2-Basic Library Management

ASSIGNMENT 1

There are two questions in this assignment. Please complete only the one question which best applies to your situation. Remember to include your name on your assignment.

• Answer Question 1 if your library has a ‘constitution and by-laws’ document.
• Answer Question 2 if your library does not have a ‘constitution and by-laws’ document
  
  

Question 1

A ‘constitution and by-laws document’ for the library is a very detailed document which can take a considerable length of time to create. Through time, most organizations find that the by-laws, and sometimes the constitution itself, need revision. For this assignment, you will review the present constitution and by-laws for your library.

1. Compare the headings used in your ‘constitution and by-laws document’ with those outlined in the module. Create a list of the headings used in your document. Write a one page summary describing the differences between the headings used in the two documents. Be sure to indicate if any topics are not covered in your document.
2. Check two items in your document to see if theory and practice meet. Complete the following and submit your findings to your tutor (use either this page or another sheet)

Question 2

A library board might spend a year or more preparing a constitution and by-laws document for the library. For this reason, you will only prepare background information which could be used in creating such a document for your library. Fill in the blank spaces using the information provided in the module as a guide. Submit your findings to your tutor.

Name of the board: _____________________________________

Composition of the board: ________________________________

Type of library board: ____________________

Population served: ______________________

Maximum number of board members for your population: ______

Current number of board members: ______

Number of councillors: _____

State the rules of order used by the board:_______________________________

Officers of the board: (In the space provided, list the board’s officers and identify the person presently filling the position, e.g. Chairperson: Shelagh Rogers)



 

Committees: (In the space provided, list the board’s committees and indicate whether each is a standing committee or an ad hoc committee.)

 

Meetings:

Day and date for regular meetings: ___________________________
Agenda: (enclose a sample copy of the agenda for a regular meeting of the board)

Procedures in the absence of a quorum:

*end*
2005 Edition