Administrative Policy

Section 1:  Organization of the Library

The Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library (CRCPL) is a County District Library governed by a Board of Trustees (hereafter referred to as the Board) which consists of seven members, three appointed by the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Ross County and four appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of the county, each for a term of four years.

1.1 THE BOARD 

According to Ohio Revised Code, legal responsibility for the library is vested in the Board.  The Board is the policy-forming body and its responsibilities include selection and hiring of the Executive Director; appointment of the Chief Fiscal Officer; promotion of library interests, securing of funds adequate for a progressive, expanding program; and control of library funds, property and equipment.  Subject to existing statutes and ordinances, it has power to determine the rules and regulations governing the library. 

1.2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director is employed by the Board as administrator and executive of the library system. Within the limits of policies established by the Board, or to be established, and within the legal limits, the Executive Director is responsible for the efficient functioning of the library, without interference from individual Board members, or infringement by the Board on administrative functions. The Executive Director shall report monthly to the Board and make recommendations for actions or policies, or changes in either, which the Executive Director deems necessary.

1.3 CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER

The Chief Fiscal Officer is hired or appointed by, and responsible to the Board of Trustees, according to Ohio Revised Code 3375.32. The Chief Fiscal Officer shall be the disbursing officer of the Library. The Chief Fiscal Officer acts as the Board’s financial agent in library matters. The Chief Fiscal Officer shall administer and manage the funds of the Library in accordance with law and the objectives and policies adopted by the Board and under the direction and review of the Board.

1.4 CHAIN OF COMMAND

In the absence of the Executive Director, the Chief Fiscal Officer and Access/Enrichment/Facilities Directors shall have the authority to apply discretionary judgments in interpreting Board policy with regard to special or emergency situations.  In the event that the Executive Director, Chief Fiscal Officer, or Directors are not available, the senior manager on duty, in consultation with other senior staff members, shall have discretionary authority to interpret policy. In the long-term absence of the Executive Director, the Chief Fiscal Officer shallassume administrative duties for the system until such time as the Board or its officers, acting as an executive committee, shall take such action as it deems necessary or appropriate.