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The public library director's toolkit
2019
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Library Journal Review
Directing a public library requires an array of skills, including working with trustees, maintaining buildings, budgeting, and managing a complex staff. Editors Hall (library director, Northbrook P.L., IL) and Parker (former director, Glenwood-Lynwood P.L., IL) draw from their considerable experience training library directors. They offer an overview of the responsibilities of library directors, along with advice for self-care. Each chapter begins with a list of objectives and closes with key takeaways, reflection questions, and suggested additional resources. Part 2 offers sample documents and forms. Another chapter reviews the types of insurance needed, makes recommendations, and refers readers to an accident and incident form (provided in Part 2) and to a website with more resources. VERDICT New public library directors will find here valuable, practical information to ensure success, while students considering a career in public librarianship will appreciate the overview of responsibilities.--Judy Solberg, Sacramento, CA
Summary

New public library directors quickly learn what seasoned directors already know: running a library means you've always got your hands full--balancing the needs of staff, patrons, facilities, library boards, and other stakeholders with professional responsibilities like community interactions, legal and financial requirements, and whole lot else that wasn't exactly in the job description. Whether you are considering becoming a public library director, are brand new to the role, or have settled in but find yourself thinking "there's got to be a better way," authors Hall and Parker are here to help. This book walks you through the core components of getting up to speed and then provides templates, sample documents, checklists, and other resources that will make your job easier. Gleaned from their own decades of experience in library leadership positions, in this toolkit they

cover such key topics as employees, trustees, finances, legal issues, library policies, emergency planning, and technology; discuss strategic planning and share advice on keeping up with trends; offer nearly two dozen ready-to-use resources, including a Director's Report Template, a Social Media Policy, an Employee Exit Questionnaire, a Library Cleaning Checklist, a Vision Statement worksheet, and more; and suggest additional learning opportunities in each chapter to help you continue your learning journey.
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