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2. If you are interested in being a member of the Library Board, complete this application form to express your interest. The Board of Directors and Library Administration will consider your application when it is time to fill a vacant position on the board. 

   North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Chapter 40-38 covers state laws specific to public libraries. NDCC 40-38-03 states that the Board of City Commissioners may appoint a board of five directors to govern the library, members must be residents of the city, and provides that one member of the governing body of the municipality or designated representative shall be a member of the board of directors of a municipal library. It states that no member of such board shall serve for more than two consecutive three-year terms after which an interval of one year must elapse before the same member may be reappointed. 

   NDCC 40-38-04 outlines the powers and duties of the Library Board, which includes:

   • Determining policies that are implemented for the management of the library.
   • Overseeing the expenditures of all monies collected for the library's fund.
   • Overseeing supervision, care, and custody of library property.
   • Contracting to furnish library service and to receive library service from other libraries.
   • Hiring and supervising the Library Director.

   Additionally, the Library Board advocates for the library and takes part in the library's long-range planning. 

   The Library Board meets monthly, generally the fourth Thursday at Noon, with additional special meetings as necessary for Library Board business. Meetings last 1-1.5 hours.

   Before filling out the application, review the Board Bylaws (PDF), Board Director Orientation Guide (PDF), the library's Guiding Principles, library policies, and ND open records and meetings legal information.

4. Read the statements below. Check the boxes to signify you understand and will follow the statements if chosen as a Board Director*

   1. Attend all Board meetings.
   2. Adhere to ND open meetings and records laws.
   3. Be genuinely interested in our library and understand the importance of public libraries as necessary government-funded services.
   4. Be able to work with others to reach common goals.
   5. Be open-minded, intellectually curious, in favor of the freedom to read, and against censorship.
   6. Be able to withstand pressures and prejudice that would restrict or prevent equal library service to all.
   7. Support library services for all, regardless of socio-economic status, race, age, mental or physical disorders, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
   8. The Board approves library policy; Library Administration creates and carries out policies.
   9. The Board supervises and evaluates the Library Director.
   10. Library Administration supervises and evaluates library employees.
   11. The Board works with Library Administration to determine the mission and vision of the library.
   12. Library Administration manages day-to-day operations of the library, collection development, and library services and programs.
6. First Name*
7. Last Name*
9. Address*
11. State*
12. City*
13. Zip Code*
15. Phone Number*
16. Email Address*
18. How long have you been a resident of Bismarck?*
20. List board service, volunteer work, professional membership, community activities, hobbies, and special interests that may be useful to your board placement. Include timeframes.*
22. What activities or functions have you participated in concerning the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library? Include timeframes.*
24. Indicate your area of expertise in which you have both required education and professional experience*

    1. Finance - accounting/CPA/CFO
    2. Legal - licensed attorney
    3. Administration - CEO/high ranking position
    4. Public Relations - PIO/marketing management/media
    5. Human Resources - personnel management
    6. None of these
26. Indicate your area(s) of proven skill in which your knowledge would be of benefit to the Board*

    1. Governmental relations
    2. Building and grounds; construction
    3. Advocacy
    4. Public speaking
    5. Strategic planning
    6. Policy development and implementation
    7. Proofreading and editing
    8. Business management
    9. Fundraising
    10. Other
28. If you answered "other" indicate the skill area.
30. Education: degree, institution, year obtained*
32. Work experience: positions, employers, dates of employment*
34. Other experience: special skills, training, certifications, etc.*
36. Provide the names and contact information for three references.*
38. What are the responsibilities of a Library Board Director?*
40. What are the responsibilities of the library director and library administration?*
42. Why do you want to serve on the Library Board?*
44. Why is the library important for our community and why is it a necessary government service?*
46. If chosen for a Library Board vacancy, a background check is required. The background check reports criminal history, fraudulent activity, and verifies identity and education. Will you consent to a background check?*

    1. Yes
    2. No
48. If you have a resume you would like to submit, please upload it.
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50. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
51. Email address

    This field is not part of the form submission.

52. Submit

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