There are two types of library boards. Governing boards have full authority over the governance of the library. They hire the library director, set policy, and work closely with the director in establishing and presenting the library’s budget to the local government. An advisory board does not have responsibility for the budget or the direct oversight of the library director. Advisory boards advise a library director and local government on library concerns and promote library service in a community or region. Both governing and advisory boards develop and implement policies that govern library services. They also work with library administration in planning and setting goals for the library.
Charter cities may have advisory or governing boards. Statutory cities must have governing boards.