It is the responsibility of both the library director and the library board to orient new trustees. Trustees are representatives of the library to the community that they serve. Trustees should be sufficiently informed so they can be knowledgeable when asked questions about the library. When orienting the new trustee, it needs to be emphasized that individual trustees are not spokespersons for the library unless so designated by the Board. They have decision-making powers as a whole, not as individuals.
 

1. The following is a list of items that should be supplied to new trustees.
2. A job description, including roles and responsibilities.
3. A list of staff and job descriptions.
4. The library's mission statement and its long-range plan.
5. A descriptive list of library programs.
6. Board minutes and director's reports for the past six months.
7. The library's policy manual.
8. The Board's bylaws.
9. Recent annual reports.
10. A copy of the collection development policy.
11. ALA Publication #1: "The Trustee of a Small Public Library."
12. An Idaho Public Trustee Manual.
13. A copy of state library laws.
14. A copy of "Standards for Idaho Public Library Services."
15. Budgets for the current and previous years.
16. A calendar of continuing education programs for trustees.

• Explain where the money comes from and where it is spent.
• Discuss the library's financial status and how the tax rate is determined.
• Explain trustee responsibilities and duties as distinguished from those of librarians.