Trustee Workshops
Trustee Workshops are intended for Pioneer Library System member library trustees and directors. Please register with the links provided under the program descriptions. If you would like a Trustee Workshop on a specific topic or if you are interested in hosting a Trustee Workshop at your library, email Ron Kirsop (
rkirsop@pls-net.org).
Additional workshops will be added, so check back for new dates, times, and topics.
- Trustee Workshops
- Trustee Workshop Page
- Strategic Planning - September 10, 2020
- Running Effective Board Meetings - July 22, 2020
- Project Management for Library Committees - July 30, 2020
- Roles & Responsibilities for New Library Trustees - September 1, 2020
- Board President Meetup - June 15, 2020
- Responsibilities of Board Officers - June 15, 2020
- Roles & Responsibilities for New Library Trustees - April 23, 2020
- Updates to Minimum Standards - May 7, 2020
- Public Library Financial Oversight - May 19, 2020
- Construction Grant Informational Meeting - March 5, 2020
- Running Effective Board Meetings - March 18, 2020
2021 Workshops Coming Soon
We are currently working on our 2021 Trustee Workshop schedule.
Trustee Workshop Page
Strategic Planning - September 10, 2020
Thursday, September 10, 2020, 6:00 pm via GoToMeeting
Discussion points:
- Flexible Strategic Planning options for your library
- Strategic Planning compliance for Minimum Standards
- How to use the PLS planning template
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
Click here to register.
Board President Meetup - August 20, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020, 4:30 pm via GoToMeeting
Prior to the Running Effective Board Meetings workshop on Monday, June 15, Board Presidents are invited to this casual meetup to discuss topics related to their board and libraries.
Facilitator: Christine Ryan, Board President, Pioneer Library System
Running Effective Board Meetings - July 22, 2020
Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 6:00 pm via GoToMeeting
Discussion points:
- Best practices for running board meetings
- Designing agendas
- Facilitating open discussions
- Handling public comments
- Complying with Open Meetings Law
- Using committees effectively
- Other topics related to meetings
If your library is facing a specific issue with meetings, email me ahead of time at
rkirsop@pls-net.org and I will be sure to cover it.
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
Click here to register.
Project Management for Library Committees - July 30, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 6:00 pm via GoToMeeting
Discussion points:
- Reviewing the committee structure at your library
- Projects that board committees should be focusing on
- Using project management techniques to organize manageable projects for board committees
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System (also a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute)
Click here to register.
Roles & Responsibilities for New Library Trustees - September 1, 2020
Tuesday, September 1, 2020, 6:00 pm via GoToMeeting
Discussion points:
- Duties of Library Trustees in New York
- Differences in Responsibilities of the Board and Library Director
- Collective Authority
- Basics of Open Meetings Law
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
Click here to register.
Board President Meetup - June 15, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020, 4:30 pm via GoToMeeting
Prior to the Roles and Responsibilities of Board Officers workshop on Monday, June 15, Board Presidents are invited to this casual meetup to discuss topics related to their board and libraries.
Facilitator: Christine Ryan, Board President, Pioneer Library System
Click here to register.
Responsibilities of Board Officers - June 15, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020, 6:00 pm via GoToMeeting
Discussion points:
- Duties of each board officer
- How to look at the "big picture" of your library
- Using committees effectively
- The role the CEO plays in relationship to your board
Presenters: Christine Ryan, Board President, Pioneer Library System; and Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
Click here to register.
Roles & Responsibilities for New Library Trustees - April 23, 2020
Thursday, April 23, 2020, 6:00 pm on GoToMeeting (log-in details below)
Discussion points:
- Duties of Library Trustees in New York
- Differences in Responsibilities of the Board and Library Director
- Collective Authority
- Basics of Open Meetings Law
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
No registration necessary, you can use the
GoToMeeting information below.
Workshop Link:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/696653285
Workshop Call-In Info: United States: +1 (646) 749-3122; Access Code: 696-653-285
Click here to register
Updates to Minimum Standards - May 7, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020, 6:00 pm on GoToMeeting
Discussion points:
- Updates to Public Library Minimum Standards
- Requirements for Library Websites
- Template Suggestions for Long-Range Plans
- Committee Recommendations for Policies
Presenters: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director and Suzanne Macaulay, Assistant Director of Pioneer Library System
Click here to register
Public Library Financial Oversight - May 19, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020, 6:00 pm on GoToMeeting (log-in details below)
Discussion points:
- The financial review process
- Critical laws
- OSC audits
- Governing library assets
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
Click here to register
Workshop Link :
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/970912181
Workshop Call-In Info: United States: +1 (669) 224-3412; Access Code: 970-912-181
Thursday, March 5, 2020, 3:30 pm at Pioneer Library System, 2557 State Route 21, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Discussion points:
- How to apply for a NYS Public Library Construction Grant
- Application timeline and important deadlines
- Application requirements
- Intent to Apply
Click here to register.
Running Effective Board Meetings - March 18, 2020
Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 6:00 pm, Online Access Only
Discussion points:
- Best practices for running board meetings
- Designing agendas
- Facilitating open discussions
- Handling public comments
- Complying with Open Meetings Law
- Using committees effectively
- Other topics related to meetings
If your library is facing a specific issue with meetings, email me ahead of time at
rkirsop@pls-net.org and I will be sure to cover it.
Presenter: Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System
GoToMeeting Information:
Trustee/Director Workshop: Running Effective Board Meetings
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/833739085 *You can also dial in using your phone.*
United States:
+1 (872) 240-3412 *Access Code:* 833-739-085
*Join from a video-conferencing room or system.*
Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com
Meeting ID: 833 739 085
Or dial directly:
833739085@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##833739085
New to
GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/833739085