Illinois libraries and library districts should be aware of the employment "at-will" doctrine in their hiring, firing, and employment policy decisions. Because changes in the law require greater scrutiny of employment manuals and policies, recommendations are made for reducing administrative burdens, record keeping, reviewing employment…

This handbook for Trustees of the Wisconsin Public Library describes in detail the tasks involved in being a library trustee. The handbook comprises a number of "Trustee Essentials" that cover the basic essential information needed by Trustees, as well as sources of additional information. Contents include: The Trustee Job Description;…

Examines an effective response to library or archive theft and vandalism of valuable materials: the restricted access reading room. Discusses the need for an alert staff, user identification, restriction of carry-in items, electronic surveillance, record keeping, limits to quantities of collection materials, exiting procedure, photocopying, theft…

This videotape and trainer's package helps fundraisers prepare a 1.25 hour program with scripted training guidelines for use by experienced or novice trainers. The workshop is designed to make all library staff partners in the fundraising process and to demonstrate that the behaviors involved are the same as those normally used to give good…

This manual ensures that the personnel who work at the Information/Reference Desk of the James White Library, Andrews University carry out similar procedures regardless of their shift. It serves as an orientation tool and a reference guide, and gives procedures for dealing with patrons, answering reference questions, making the right referrals,…

This manual presents the policies and procedures of the Reference Department of Chicago State University's Douglas Library. General information about the reference department's staffing, functions, and services is given in the first section. In the next nine sections information is provided about the following areas: scope and circulation period…

This videotape is designed to help library staff develop and implement a security program in the library, using library personnel or outside security personnel. Eight sections cover: (1) how to design an effective security policy; (2) how to approach disruptive patrons; (3) personal safety--with disruptive patrons, during a robbery, and when…

Designed to be used in conjunction with a departmental operations manual, this guide for student assistants in the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Library provides basic information about the library as a whole. Topics covered by the guide are: (1) library departments, including reference services, interlibrary loan, technical…

Describes building security procedures developed at the Hampton Public Library (Virginia) to deal with problem patrons. Highlights include need for the library monitor program; staffing patterns; monitor selection criteria; training procedures; library behavior guidelines; library policy statements; theft detection systems; and sample job…

This is a handbook of advice for handling the everyday problems encountered in all types and sizes of libraries. It is designed to assist managers before, during, and after crises develop. Organized in an question-and-answer format, it tackles many dilemmas that can occur in the library, then offers solutions drawn from actual experience. The…

This video provides guidelines for establishing a successful volunteer program in any library. Topics include: the benefits of volunteers to libraries; getting a volunteer program started and functioning; recruiting volunteers; interviewing volunteers; effectively training volunteers; acknowledgment of volunteers; and handling uncooperative or…

Presents security procedures for protecting a library's computer system from potential threats by patrons or personnel, and describes how security can be breached. A sidebar identifies four areas of concern in security management: the hardware, the operating system, the network, and the user interface. A selected bibliography of sources on…

This handbook provides public libraries with a source of hints, ideas, and suggestions to increase the diversity of their personnel in a non-discriminatory manner and with equality in personnel policies. The guide includes the following sections: (1) Why This Handbook?; (2) Getting Started; (3) Policy Statement--creating a policy, examples, and…

In support of the stated goals and objectives of Lane Community College (LCC) in Oregon, the college library is developing a unified program of library and media resources and services. The purpose of the program is to enhance instruction and learning in a manner consistent with the philosophy and curriculum of the college. The goals of the…

Four articles discuss the recruitment and use of volunteer workers in junior and senior high school libraries. Topics addressed include written policies; communicating ideas with the staff; program flexibility; volunteer program evaluation; scheduling; Friends of Libraries groups; and the use of volunteers for booktalks. (LRW)