However, those with limited resources can gain much by determining a focus for their efforts. As public libraries are granted funds to use beyond their operational needs, the State Library Division wants them to experience the benefits of planning. Guidelines and tips for planning are included in the notebook version of this manual. State Library Division consultants are available to help trustees and directors understand the planning process. Effective Library Policy Making Policy making is one of the board's most important responsibilities.
Policies are vital tools in carrying out the board's planning and evaluation decisions.
Library policies established by the board govern and guide all phases of the public library's operation. Effective policies are management tools for running the library. The trustees, with the help of the director and staff, create these tools. The director and staff use them. Guides the director and staff in implementing the board's decisions.