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.
A lifesaver for new library directors and a go-to resource for those already in the role, this comprehensive handbook presents a concise and approachable overview of managing and running a small public library.
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 BoardLibrary 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
Cindy Fesemyer is the principal of Fesemyer Consulting. Her areas of expertise include community engagement, staff and trustee training, strategic planning, and meeting facilitation. Cindy served for seven years as the director of the Columbus (WI) Public Library, which was a finalist for Library Journals 2017 Best Small Library in America award. Cindy served for eight years as a trustee for the Madison Public Library and has taught academic and continuing education courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madisons iSchool. She was also the community services consultant for the Wisconsin State Library, and she sat on the board of the Public Library Association. After many years of work in the library field, Cindy earned her MLIS degree in 2012 from UW-Madison.
Christina Jones currently serves on the Monona (WI) Public Librarys board. She formerly worked as a community engagement librarian at the Madison Public Library and also served as director of the Altoona (WI) Public Library. She earned her MLIS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012. Christina is particularly interested in collections, community engagement, and strategic planning, and how libraries can help facilitate connection and community cohesiveness.
