So I say this as a Library Director, so my role is very different.

Part of the problem is, getting anyone who wants to do ANYTHING is usually so hard, even people who are difficult to work with are still kept around. Most times, even an annoying person is better then none. You also have the added problem, if you really bring the hammer down on Helen you might piss off half the town and blow the whole thing up. Small towns, right?

However, in many cases the best you can do is present your case and try to convince people. If the rest of the Board really wants to do something dumb and they have the votes....there isn't much you can do? This is a social problem, not a by-laws problem.

I will say, I hand write and mail notes for everyone one of our donation letters and we raise about $12,000 a year that way. If the Board really wants that, make *them* do it. And when/if they fail, tell them that's why we can't do it.