The Library Board (Trustees) plays a critical role in the governance of the library. Friends of the Library and Library Foundations provide vital support of the library, raising money and solidifying community relations. The library director and leaders need to collaborate effectively with these groups. Library leaders:
Manage the relationship and communication with the Library Board (Trustees)
Understand and sustain the library’s roles and relationships with the Friends of the Library.
Understand and sustain the library’s roles and relationships with the Library Foundation
The Competency Index for the Library Field includes Trustees, Friends & Foundations on pages 36 & 37.
Trustees, Friends & Foundations ranked #26 out of 51 self-identified urgent training needs. It ranked #33 out of 60 topics staff would like training in. 58% (55) of respondents indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 22% (21) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 20% (19) would like training at the Advanced level.
Safety - Provide a safe environment for staff and public, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and physical well-being.
Courtesy - Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Knowledge - Be aware of library policies, procedures, and resources.
Efficiency - Provide accurate and timely service with the best use of tangible and intangible resources.
UFL [United for Libraries] Listserv
Trustees who aren’t members of United for Libraries or ALA can still take part in the UFL Listserv. To join, send an email to sympa@lists.ala.org. In the subject line of your message type “subscribe trustees” followed by your first and last name, and leave the body of the message blank (remove any automatic signature). You should receive a welcome email; once you respond, you can set up a password and begin receiving messages and posting to the group, as well as gaining access to the Listserv archive.
The Complete Library Trustee Handbook by 
Even More Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends by