Library Boards
Nearly all of Iowa's more than 500 public libraries are governed by a library board, also known as a board of trustees. Most Iowa public library boards have the authority to hire and evaluate the library director; adopt library policies; shift budget funds from one line item to another; approve library expenditures and more.
Changing the make-up, manner of selection or authority of a library board must be done through a referendum (Iowa Code, Section 392.5), and state law also requires public library boards of trustees to be gender-balanced. More information about a public library's governance can be found in the city-library ordinance.
The State Library provides support and guidance to library boards, including board training as required by Iowa Public Library Standards.
Changes to Iowa Code Chapter 21 Related to Electronic Meetings for Boards
The 2024 state legislature amended Iowa Code section 21.8, entitled "Electronic meetings," effective July 1, 2024: A governmental body shall provide for hybrid meetings, teleconference participation, virtual meetings, remote participation, and other hybrid options for the members of the governmental body to participate in official meetings.
The Iowa Public Information Board issued a formal Advisory Opinion that interprets the changes to the law: Chapter 21 - Recent Law Changes.
Board Member Resources
New Board Member Video Series
Watch a series of six educational videos designed to give Iowa library trustees (or prospective trustees) an overview of the roles and responsibilities associated with serving on the board of an Iowa public library.
Open Meetings, Open Records Course
Iowa Code says that 'meetings of governmental bodies shall be preceded by public notice…and shall be held in open session." What does Code 21 mean for library boards? Can trustees agree to sign-off on an invoice via email discussion? What needs to be included on an agenda? How can a majority of trustees meet to discuss sensitive employee issues?
Answers to these and other "Open Meetings" questions can be found in our "Open Meetings, Open Records" Endorsement Program module from the Library Law course.
Boardroom Webinar Series
The Boardroom is a series of webinars offered by the State Library for Iowa library trustees to better understand and excel in their role. Watched archived webinars from this series and earn CE credit.
Stay Up to Date
The State Library offers options for library board members to stay up to date on issues related to Iowa libraries and State Library programs.
Library Board Email List
The State Library sends occasional updates and important information related to serving on library boards, including training opportunities. List members also receive the Monday Morning Eye-Opener, a weekly newsletter covering current topics related to the Iowa library community. Click the link below to sign up to receive updates.
Library Talk Forum
LibraryTalk is an online forum for the Iowa library community from the State Library. Discuss library industry news and information on topics of interest to library board members.
Published by the State Library, the Iowa Library Trustee's Handbook is meant to give trustees a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power. The Handbook contains useful, practical information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws and many other topics.