Good afternoon, everyone - We are working on an agreement between our Friends and the Library, and I need someone who can attend a meeting to provide an outside, nonpartisan perspective on what a healthy version of this relationship looks like. Can any of you make a recommendation? An individual with experience in this area who is well versed in best practices and structural integrity of the Friends/Library partnership would be ideal. This is a rural area, with very little professional experience represented on the Friends board, so it's essential that our guest be able to speak to the group about professionalism without danger of intimidation or condescension (tricky, I know). A little background information: We're blessed with an active Friends group that raises an impressive amount of funds annually. Unfortunately, the historical relationship between the Friends and the Library has involved an exceptionally high level of support from the Library to the Friends and the blurring of many lines, resulting in expectations that are unfair to the library and to my staff. My efforts to correct areas of dysfunction have been ignored when approached tactfully, and have been the occasion of offence when stated with more clarity. There are broad areas of expectation that are neither appropriate nor realistic, and I need another voice to come on board and help us see where change is needed. If any of you have experienced similar situations and have advice for me, I welcome that as well as speaker recommendations. Thank you, Hope E. Nobel, M.S.L.S. Director Tamarack District Library P. O. Box 469 832 South Lincoln Avenue Lakeview, MI 48850 989.352.6274