TRUSTEE ORIENTATION PROGRAM (TOP)
BCLTA invites all trustees to attend this informative and interactive workshop. TOP is a comprehensive look at the roles and responsibilities of library trustees in British Columbia. Participants are introduced to the provincial context for public library leadership, including legislation and services, community advocacy, current issues and strategies for success. The program is driven by a team of regional trainers who deliver sessions in all areas of the province.
TOP is offered on a cost-recovery basis at $175/participant, or $150/participant for groups of at least seven people. BCLTA members are encouraged to connect with neighbouring library boards to arrange joint sessions at significant cost savings.
TOP was developed with the assistance of Dr. Ken Haycock, an internationally recognized consultant who has worked extensively with BCLTA. The broad content of the workshop makes it ideally suited to new trustees. However, we have had a number of long-serving trustees take this course as a refresher and they have found it to be a great energizer. We also encourage the participation of library directors.
BCLTA makes all the arrangements for this full day session and we’ll even include a continental breakfast and lunch. The format works best with a group of at least eight participants, although we’ll do our best to suit your particular needs. If your board is small, we suggest teaming up with another nearby board as it creates a great opportunity to share ideas and network.
To arrange a local session, send an email to admin@bclta.org or call Mandy Davies at 604-913-1424.
Please note: TOP sessions were offered free-of-charge from 2006-2008 thanks to the generous support of the Public Library Services Branch. In 2009, the provincial grant supporting this program was lost and TOP Training is now offered on a cost-recovery basis only. Despite the lack of funding, BCLTA did provide free TOP training to over 100 trustees in ten communities throughout BC in 2009, including Burnaby, Fort Nelson, Kimberley, Midway, Pemberton, Prince George, Tumbler Ridge, Vancouver, Vanderhoof and Victoria.
Our TRAINERS
We have a very strong training team with a wealth of experience as library board members. The team includes:
- Andy Ackerman, Fort St. John
- Loring Bohach, Vancouver/Okanagan
- Colleen Chambers, Richmond
- Don Hamilton, Victoria
- Philip Mantler, Prince George
- Roberta Rodgers, Cranbrook
- Lois Taylor, North Vancouver
2009