Section 1. Library Administration and Organizational Structure

The Library Director runs the Springfield Town Library and reports to the Town Manager. The Director is in charge of hiring, training, supervising staff, managing the budget, and making sure the library operates smoothly. Like other town departments, the Library follows the Town Charter and Administrative Code. Pay and work conditions for library staff are set by the Town’s Personnel Policy and the staff’s union agreement.


The Library Director also works closely with the Board of Trustees by giving expert advice, suggesting policies and programs, and attending Board meetings. However, the Director is not a Board member and cannot vote. If big decisions about policies or laws come up, the Board talks directly with the Selectboard.

Organizational Chart

Organizational Chart of Library Administration: The Selectboard manages the Town Manager. The library director reports to the town manager. The library director is advised by the library trustees. The library director supervises all library staff.

Trustees

The Springfield Town Library is run by a Board of Trustees and is also part of the Town of Springfield. The Board works with the Town Manager and other departments for support.

The Board has seven members who are elected for three-year terms. If someone leaves early, the Selectboard picks a replacement until the next election. Trustees are volunteers and don’t get paid. If a Trustee misses three meetings without a good reason, they can be replaced.

The Board’s main job is to make sure the library is managed well and follows the law. They help plan the library’s future, review the library’s budget, suggest new programs, and promote library services. The Board doesn’t hire or fire library staff; that’s the Town Manager’s job.

Every year, the Board elects officers like a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Their meetings are public, announced ahead of time, and minutes are kept for everyone to see. The Board also follows Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.

There are several standing committees:

  • Finance and Audit Committee: Watches the budget and plans for future needs.

  • Policy Committee: Reviews and updates library policies.

  • Public Relations/Advocacy Committee: Helps promote the library.

  • FOSTL Liaison: Connects with the Friends of Springfield Town Library group.

The Board also works on a Strategic Plan every five years to set goals and meet the needs of the community. The library supports sustainability by following eco-friendly practices like reducing waste and buying green products when possible.

Trustees follow a Code of Ethics that supports intellectual freedom and ethical behavior. They are also protected by the town’s insurance policy if any legal issues arise while they are serving.

Library Director, Staff, and Volunteers

Library Director 

The Library Director is the main person in charge of running the Springfield Town Library. They manage all library operations, create and run programs, and work closely with the Library Board of Trustees. The Director reports to the Town Manager but also makes many decisions independently based on their knowledge and experience. For more details, see Appendix N.

Staff and Personnel

Library staff must follow the Town’s employee rules and the library’s behavior guidelines. Staff should always focus on helping the public and making every visit to the library a good experience. However, if a staff member is mistreated by a visitor, they are allowed to step away politely. Any complaints about the library or its rules should be sent to the Library Director.

Trustees, the Director, and staff are also encouraged to be active in community events and work to make the library a vital part of the town.

Personnel Policies

The Library follows the Town of Springfield’s Personnel Rules and Regulations.

Volunteers

Volunteers are welcomed at the Library to help support staff and meet the community’s needs, but they are not meant to replace paid staff.