Duties and Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

Effective Date: November 2012
Revision Date: March 2024
Next Year of Review: 2028

Purpose

This policy sets out the duties and responsibilities of Bruce County Public Library’s Board members. It ensures that members understand the extent of their authority and use it appropriately.

1. Each board member is expected to become a productive participant in exercising the duties of the board as a whole.
2. Individual members of the board are responsible for exercising a Duty of Diligence as follows:
   1. be informed of legislation under which the library exists, board bylaws, mission, vision and values
   2. be informed about the activities of the library and the community and issues that affect the library
   3. attend board meetings regularly and contribute from a personal, professional and life experience to the work of the board
   4. be prepared for all board meetings and use meeting time productively.
3. Individual members of the board are responsible for exercising a Duty of Loyalty, as follows:
   1. adhere to the regulations of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. M50
   2. act in the interest of the library members and community over and above other interest group involvement, membership on other boards, council or personal interest
   3. speak with “one voice” once a decision is reached and a resolution is passed by the board
   4. represent the library positively to the community
4. Individual members of the board are responsible for exercising a Duty of Care, as follows:
   1. promote a high level of library service
   2. consider information gathered in preparation for decision making
   3. show respect for the opinions of others
   4. assume no authority to make decisions outside of board meetings
   5. know and respect the distinction in the roles of the library board with regard to governance and the employees, management and operations
   6. know and respect the distinction in the roles of the board and the staff
   7. refrain from individually directing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the staff
   8. respect the confidential nature of library service to users while being aware of, and in compliance with, applicable laws governing freedom of information
   9. resist censorship of library materials by groups or individuals
5. Board members will act with integrity. Board members will review and follow Bruce County’s Code of Conduct for Council Members and Local Boards.

Related Documents

Bruce County Public Library. Powers and Duties of the Board
Bruce County Public Library. Terms of Reference of the Officers
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M50
County of Bruce Code of Conduct for Council Members and Local Boards