Some financial help is usually available go to conferences away from your hometown. Public Library Services will willingly send a consultant to talk to any board about the provincial system and plans for its future. Since PLS is in contact with all libraries its staff has extensive knowledge of library problems and needs and is always happy to help boards and individual trustees. Valuable advice is only a letter or phone call away. MLTA is another source of information and advice for trustees and boards.
Orientation is only the first step.
It is a primary responsibility of the chairman of the board to be sure that the orientation procedure is carried out for every new board member. It is difficult to remain effective without fresh ideas, improved techniques and variety in the approach to good library service. To be a good trustee requires time and training. Trustees bring many skills to their trusteeship on the public library board. However, they need to understand the needs and requirements of the institution they serve.