Montgomery County Library Board

Basic Orientation

Library Advisory Committee

Objectives

At the end of this session, you will be able to• Give an overview of the relationship among the

– Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), the – Montgomery County Library Board (MCLB), and – the Library Board Advisory Committees (LACs)

• Explain the mission of the LACs• Explain the role of a LAC member

Definitions

• Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) • Montgomery County Library Board (MCLB)• Library Advisory Committee (LAC)• Public sector – governmental (MCPL, MCLB,

LAC)• Private sector – non-governmental (Friends of

the Library [FOL], Montgomery County, Inc.)

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)

The Montgomery County public library system provides County residents with the current, accurate information that they need for work, school or personal interests.– http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/libraries– 21 Branches (FY2013)– $31.4 million budget (FY 2013)– 353 permanent employees (FY2013)– Award-winning public library system

Montgomery County Library Board (MCLB)

The Library Board makes recommendations to the County Executive via the MCPL Director on matters affecting the public library system. – http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/board/in

dex.html– 12 members appointed by the County Executive and

confirmed by the County Council– Serves up to two 3-year terms without compensation– Each member is a liaison to at least one LAC– The supervisor of school libraries is a 13th ex-officio

member

Library Advisory Committees (LAC)

LACs represent constituents from a Branch library's service area, by advising the local library manager, the Library Board and the Director of MCPL concerning the branch’s needs in the area which they represent– LACs are subcommittees of the Library Board– There are 23 LAC subcommittees, one for each

branch library, the Correctional Center and the Disability Resource Center

– Have a designated MCLB member as a liaison

Library Advisory Committees (continued)

• Have close interest in the communities the branch serves

• Are eligible for annual achievement awards– Membership Award– Renaissance Award– Eleanor Ablard Community Service Award– David Chiles Member(s) of the Year Award– MCLB Liaison's Award

LAC Members

• Member applications are reviewed and approved by the MCLB

• Serve up to two, three-year terms

• Are invited to any and all MCLB meetings and library related activities

• May testify at public hearings of the County Council

Mission of the LAC

• The MCLB and LACs advise the Director of MCPL and advocate on behalf of the library branch and the Public Library system.

• Primary focus of the LAC and LAC members is to discuss and advise the Director on:– Facilities– Collection– Programs– Technology– Customer Satisfaction

Activities of the LAC – Meetings

• Ensure that the LAC meets at least three times a year.

• Ensure agenda items are those which fall within the purview of the LAC.

• The LACs do advocate for public funds in the County budget; they do not fundraise.

Questions?