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Trustees discuss publishing governance documents and trustee photos on library website
Summary
Trustees reviewed draft governance text for the library’s website — including meeting schedules, incorporation documents and bylaws — and debated whether to post trustee photos or direct contact details, with concern that individual contact info could circumvent formal board responses.
The executive committee reviewed proposed governance language for the Russell Library board page and debated whether the site should include bylaws, incorporation documents and trustee photos or contact details.
The chair said Trustee Jennifer Hadley had drafted the proposed text and that similar information is published by many libraries. Trustee Sarah said she supported the general material but hesitated about posting individual photos and contact information, arguing that it could encourage members of the public to contact trustees directly about contentious issues rather than using public comment or seeking a full board response. "I might hesitate to have us all have a picture and a bio because I feel like that almost would invite people to reach out to individual board members," Sarah said.
Trustees discussed alternatives including posting a group photo or names only and noted that bylaws and incorporation certificates are part of the public record and could be shared; the Library Director said meeting minutes already document bylaws deliberations and that if someone requests bylaws they would be provided via public‑records request.
The committee agreed to refine the draft website language and to revisit the item at the September full board meeting, with an option to take a group photo for the site rather than individual headshots.
