Full Description
Most libraries in the US are small in size and rural in location. And, since most of them don't require a degree to be hired as Library Director, many new hires step into the position with limited management or librarianship experience. This handbook will quickly get new directors up to speed on managing staff, drafting budgets, crafting policies, overseeing a building and its collections, and strengthening the library's place in the community. The authors, with years of small library management experience between them, offer expert guidance on all those topics and many more besides. Small public library directors at all stages of their career, as well as their board members and library trustees, will
benefit from this handbook's up-to-date perspectives on what it takes to run your library in today's post-pandemic, politically polarized, technologically advanced, socially isolated world;
receive to-the-point advice on governance, strategic planning, human resources, policy development, facilities, services and programs, and other foundational tasks;
become informed on how to safeguard intellectual freedom, handle challenges to materials and programming, and protect patron privacy;
get pointers on broadening their personal network, understanding what outside resources are available, and spearheading effective advocacy and community engagement;
learn from real-life "Success Stories" and "On the Job" words of wisdom sprinkled throughout the text; and
find adaptable templates, self-enrichment activities, and other tools to facilitate ongoing professional development.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Small Library, Big Job
Chapter 1: An Overview of Public Libraries
Small Library Defined
Public Library Structure in the United States
Library Organizational Overview
Chapter 2: Governance Overview
Trustee Selection
Trustee Responsibilities
The Library Board-Library Director Relationship
Library Board Bylaws
Effective Board Meetings
Hiring and Supervising of the Library Director
Chapter 3: Finances and Budget
Where Does the Money Come from?
Preparing a Budget
Budget Review
Accountability
Chapter 4: Intellectual Freedom
Challenges to Materials and Programming
Privacy
Chapter 5: Human Resources: Hiring, Evaluating, Training, and Firing
Personnel Management
Personnel Policies
Hiring
Personnel Records
Work Schedules
Compensation
Benefits
Supervision
Discipline and Grievances
Professional Development
Chapter 6: Policies
The Library Board and Policy Development
Essential Policies
Chapter 7: Facilities
Create an Approachable Space
Safety and Maintenance Issues
Renovation, Expansion, and New Construction
Chapter 8: Broaden Your Network
Advocacy Starts with Stellar Customer Service
Community Engagement: Get to Know Local Officials
Community Engagement: Get to Know the Community
Political Advocacy
Crafting the Message
Who Should Advocate?
Chapter 9: Strategic Planning
Elements of the Strategic Plan
Communication
Data Collection
Planning Process
Chapter 10: Services and Programs
Services
Programs
Promoting Services and Programs
Chapter 11: Collections
Selection
Evaluation and Weeding
Organization of Collections
Conclusion: Parting Words
Bibliography
Index
