Written to give public library trustees in the state of Maine an overall picture of their duties and responsibilities, this handbook covers: (1) the mission, role, and organization of the board of trustees; (2) trustee orientation; (3) meeting procedure; (4) continuing education for trustees; (5) public relations; (6) finance and budgeting; (7)…

Proposes three methods to be used by database searchers in structuring online search sessions with the goal of minimizing the negative effects on interlibrary loan operations. Forms management, management of printed search results, and the instruction of patrons are discussed. (Author/EM)

This essay on the issues of management of technical services in the small library suggests that goals of the organization, and not size, are what differentiates large technical services departments from smaller ones. Discussion covers determining organizational goals, providing access to collections, bibliographic utilities, and resources…

This examination of collection development and bibliographic control in the small public library (small staff and modest resources) is concerned with three categories of library materials that can be identified as serials: (1) magazines; (2) reference books; (3) books in series that can circulate separately. (10 references) (EJS)

This book highlights the importance of good financial and cost management in libraries and information centers to make best use of available resources, and illustrates how to maintain user services. The book applies current research and theory of financial management techniques to situations faced in libraries and information services. Eight…

This manual is intended to serve as a guide for public library directors and boards of trustees in meeting the requirements of Wisconsin's public librarian certification law which requires certification for administrators of public library systems, county libraries, county library services, and municipal public libraries. The manual contains the…

Suggests ways of improving productivity for public libraries faced with increased accountability, dwindling revenues, and continuing inflation. Techniques described include work simplification, work analysis, improved management, and employee motivation. (RAA)

Concerned with the nontechnical aspects of flow-charting library procedures, this article pays special attention to the communication process that takes place during such an analysis and suggests how flowcharts can describe, as accurately as possible, what takes place in a given library task. (Author/RAA)

Explores the concept and definition of best practice and how it relates to organizational concepts such as benchmarking, leadership, innovation, and managing change. Describes the six steps of best practice: (1) identifying areas of need; (2) assessing the need areas; (3) establishing profiles; (4) looking beyond the organization; (5) establishing…

Discusses how one school library functions as a natural setting for extending the literacy of students, even though the library has no librarian. Focuses on how instruction and the opportunities for meaningful practice are integrated realistically as students use this "second classroom," the school library. (MG)

Offers strategies for increasing library budgets, based on the pragmatic realities of funding decisions. Strategies discussed include: associating library needs with a more influential constituency; allowing service to deteriorate to intolerable levels; using influential patrons as spokesmen for the library; and appealing to funders' priorities…

Discusses techniques to aid library supervisors in planning and conducting a positive performance evaluation conference. Topics addressed include time and place, gathering relevant data, active listening, effective questioning, praise and criticism, and future plans. An annotated bibliography of 48 sources of information on performance appraisal…

Discusses creativity as an essential component of effective library management. Creative organizations are characterized as encouraging staff to take calculated risks and tolerating their failures; structuring work groups to maximize creativity; investing in staff development; providing adequate resources for programs and staff; and hiring highly…

This manual contains the guidelines and procedures for public librarian certification and certification renewal in Wisconsin. Certification is not required for library personnel other than administrators, but nonadministrators may apply for certification at the level for which they are eligible. Requirements for voluntary library certification are…

This kit on the preparation and presentation of the library budget in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions contains a concise summary of the results of a 1977 member survey on budget preparation and eight related primary source documents. The summary of the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey focuses on types of…