Library Board Members Required
Submitted by dean.frey on September 11, 2008 - 8:05am.
There are a number of vacancies to fill on the Library Board this fall. City Council names new members to the Board each October, to begin three-year terms at the November meeting.
The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, starting at 7:00 p.m. Meetings normally last about 90 minutes. Each Board member also sits on one of two Board Standing Committees, which meet the same day at noon and at 6:30 p.m. The Board doesn't normally meet in July and August.
Qualifications? We're looking for people with a love of libraries and learning, connections in the community, and a commitment to intellectual freedom. Go to this page on our website to learn more about the Library Board's Mission and Values. We're also looking for specific skills: legal or financial expertise, previous Board experience, or experience in business, government or the not-for-profit sector. The Library Board is committed to ensuring that the Board reflects the diversity of our community.
If you are interested in learning more about being a Board member, please contact Library Board Chair Mike Todd at 403-356-2946 or by email at miket@allwestins.ca, or get in touch with me, Dean Frey, Director of RDPL, at 403-342-9102, or at dfrey@rdpl.org by email. Time is of the essence: the deadline for applications to City Council is September 26, 2008.
Applications and committee details are available from Legislative & Administrative Services, second floor, City Hall or fill out the online form at this page. Application forms must be returned by Friday, September 26 to Legislative & Administrative Services or by fax to 403-346-6195. Further information is available by phone at 403-342-8132 or by email at legislativeservices@reddeer.ca.
Diversity in the community
A couple of questions for you. How do you fulfill the commitment you have expressed, to ensure that the diversity in the community is reflected in the Board? Are these Board positions advertised in the Press ?
sincerely
Jan Underwood
Re: Diversity in the community
Thanks for your question, Jan. Yes, the City advertises Board openings in the press. This year, the Library has been more proactive in getting the word out, including this post on our website. However, it is City Council which names Library Board members, according to the Libraries Act. Councilors are aware of the Board's position on diversity, and will make every effort to name a Library Board (from the people who have applied) that more closely represents our increasingly diverse community.
This is only a small first step. The answer to having more diverse Boards in our community is for Boards to actively recruit members from all of Red Deer's communities all year long, and not just the month before vacancies are filled.
- Dean