A VC Working Group On Directory Accountability And Board Effectiveness has released a White Paper on " A Simple Guide to The Basic Responsibilities of VC-Backed Company Directors" (simple registration required).

The Guide covers the following topics:

• What You Need to Know Before Joining the Board
• Defining the Board’s Essential Role
• General Duties and Responsibilites of Private Company Directors
• Summary of the Legal Requirements of Board Service
• Common Characteristics of Effective Private Company Boards/Directors
• Common Characteristics of Ineffective Private Company Boards/Directors
• Minimum Service Expectations of VCBC Directors
• Minimum Expectations of Board Service for Management Directors
• Minimum Expectations of Board Service for Independent Directors
• Minimum Expectations of Board Service for VC Directors

The Guide also provides some useful board and director evaluation tools.

It is easy to read and provides a good introduction for someone who is approached to serve on a start-up board.