Document 5
Report to/ Rapport au:
Council/Conseil
Submitted by/Soumis par: Jan
Harder, Chair/Présidente
Contact Person/Personne resource: Barbara, Clubb, City Librarian, Ottawa Public Library – Bibliothécaire municipal-
Bibliothéque publique d’Ottawa
613-580-2424 ext./poste 32180, Barbara.clubb@biblioottawalibrary.ca
City Wide/à l'échelle de la Ville |
Ref N°: |
SUBJECT: |
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OBJET : |
la composition du c.a. DE
LA BIBLIOTHÉQUE PUBLIQUE D’OTTAWA de 2011-2014 |
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That the following elements be used as a guide in
selecting the composition of the next OPL Board (2011-2014) , to be appointed
by City Council following the swearing in of the new council on December 1,
2010:
§ Maintain the current Board size of 14 trustees.
§ Encourage a minimum of three (3) current citizen
trustee Board Members to remain on the Board when the Board is appointed.
§ Recognize the Board’s commitment to provide library
services in both official languages.
§ Conduct an interview process to make reasonable
efforts to ensure that applications for board members are sought and considered
from a diversity of:
- Geographic areas of the municipality and its
urban/rural make-up
- Language and cultural groups representing the
demographic nature of the municipality
- Age distribution representing the demographic nature
of the municipality including youth (under the age of 25)
- Applicants showing a clear interest in public libraries
and in public service
- Applicants providing a mixture of professional and
other skills related to the work of the library board or issues dealt with by
the board
- Applicants from a variety of socio-economic
backgrounds representing the demographic nature of the municipality
§ Make reasonable efforts to ensure that candidates
selected have one or more of the following competencies/skills:
Commitment
- Commitment to and strong interest in public libraries,
commitment to group decision-making and listening to others
Skill
-
Independence of judgement,
facilitator/consensus building, public issue campaigning, public
consultation/involvement, public relations experience, visionary, conceptual
thinker, ability to see the big picture and put minor considerations in
perspective, ability to effectively engage in dialogue, and possess computer
literacy including use of email and internet.
Experience
-
Background in policy development,
technology, financial/business, government/public servant, library
(professional or as a trustee) and community organizations, education, and real
estate development and planning.
Knowledge
-
Knowledge
of municipal affairs, fundraising, understanding of the budget development
process, and previous board experience.
BACKGROUND
On June 10, 2009 the Ottawa City Council approved
(Motion 68/1) that the Library Board report directly to Council and that the
Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board sit on the Selection Panel to appoint new
members.,
In 2008 the Governance Audit report recommended a “staggered
term” strategy to ensure that a minimum of three Board Members remain on the
Board when the Board is appointed with each new term of Council. Therefore, the
Ottawa Public Library Board strongly recommends that the Selection Committee
re-appoint for a second term (should they choose to apply for a second term) a
minimum of 3 citizen trustee members to ensure continuity for the board.
The Ottawa Public Library’s mission is to build a
strong Ottawa community by supporting literacy, life-long learning, fostering
inspiration and enjoyment and connection people to each other and the world.
The Library’s Strategic Priorities 2008-2011 and statement of core values guide
the implementation of the mission. Each year the Library Board provides a
public accounting of the Library’s accomplishments.
The Ottawa Public Library Board serves the citizens of
Ottawa to ensure they have the best possible library service within the
available finances. Ottawa is a diverse city. It has strong geographic,
linguistic, ethno-cultural, socio-economic and other differentiations. Trustees
must reflect and understand this diversity in order to be an effective link to
the entire community.
Special
Consideration
The changing face of Ottawa should be reflected on the
Board. As of the 2006 census, more than 200 different ethnic origins were
reported. This diversity continues to be a prominent feature of Canada.
Immigration is the most important component of Canada’s population growth, and
changes in the origins were reported. This diversity continues to be a
prominent feature of Canada. Immigration is the most important component of
Canada’s population growth, and changes in the origins of new immigrants
suggest that Canada will continue to be a diverse country. In 2006, nearly 2 million
people, or 6.3% of the total population, were immigrants who had arrived during
the previous 10 years. In Ottawa, immigrants make up 22% of the total
population. The youth of Ottawa should also be represented on the Board. Ottawa
is a young city, 45% of Ottawa’s population is under the age of 25 according to
the 2006 census. [1]
Work
Requirements
The Library Board also has a varied workload in
governing the library and representing the Library to the community. As well as
ensuring the smooth operation of the Board, the Chair and Vice-Chair must also
represent the Board to the public, to Council and related committees, and at
public events. Board trustees have ongoing work on policy development and
strategic planning, developing links to related organizations, special projects
(for example, the development of the West District Library), as well as ad-hoc
work on specific issues.
In addition to attending monthly Board meetings, trustees may be required to contribute to one
or more board ad-hoc or standing
committees and organizations, these groups have varying workloads and generally
meet once every two months.
Library Board trustees are also expected to contribute
to one or more of the following:
Library board trustees have the responsibility:
For further information see: http://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/main/overview