I recently became the President of my library board and realized that our current librarian doesn't actually have a contract. I've reached out to a couple people on our state library for sample contracts and am sitting down with the librarian to discuss this later in the week, but frankly I don't know the usual procedure for writing one and could use some guidance. She's a solo rural librarian, so it's a bit of a unique situation.

Also, how would you define the relationship between a board and the library director? My understanding is that it's a partnership with the board acting as the go between between the community and the library, but I have board members who think it's an employer employee relationship. Per the state trustee handbook it's not, but I don't know how to explain it to the board member properly, and if I'm wrong I'd like to be corrected.

As you can tell, I don't have a lot of experience! I'd love any advice and pointers that you have to give. The board is extremely informal and messy, and my first big task is to renew our bylaws and set out a code of conduct for the board members. Our previous president was on a power trip for months before she blew up in a meeting, told the librarian to fake the state report so that her pet project could get done, and resigned, so I'm coming in on the heels of that with a great opportunity to create a healthy environment.