Discusses the importance of cost finding for public libraries and the relationship of cost finding to output measures. A cost finding study conducted on the cost of gift books is described; several worksheets from the study are included. Suggestions are offered for beginning a cost-finding project. (three references) (MES)

Presents data on 1989 salaries of public library directors in cities for 10 population groups (from those serving populations of over 1,000,000 to under 2,500). Taken from the "Municipal Year Book 1990," the data are classified by geographic region, city type, and form of government. (MES)

Discusses the value of statistics in public library administration and recent efforts by the federal government and the Public Library Association (PLA) to gather public library statistics. PLA's Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report '88 and planned online availability are described. An inset shows data on salaries for beginning…

Reports data on salaries of public library directors from the Municipal Year Book 1992. Salaries are presented for 10 population groups (i.e., size of population served) and are further classified by geographic region, city type, and form of government. (MES)

Addresses the responsibilities of public library trustees and recommends increasing their effectiveness through involvement in statewide library issues and local lobbying efforts. The discussion also covers length of term and absenteeism, ethics, and awards or citations for exemplary trustees. (Six references) (MES)

Provides one approach to a comprehensive library staff development program that addresses the needs of both the new and long-term employee. Discusses keys to successful employee orientation, primary objectives to staff development, developing and enhancing employee knowledge through small training sessions, ensuring opportunities to develop…

Discusses the use of volunteers in public libraries. Topics include types of volunteers; differences between volunteers and paid employees; a volunteer job description; problems with volunteers; managing volunteers; volunteer procedures; and examples of successful volunteer programs. (LRW)

Discusses the advantages of evaluation of library services and provides examples of decisions that might be aided through evaluation. The three attributes of library service of most concern to the evaluator--costs, effectiveness, and benefits--are considered. Describes general principles of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit studies in the…

Provides guidelines for library administrators for the dismissal of employees, including: the importance of evaluation in hiring, clear personnel policies; routine performance appraisal, provisions for improvement, documentation, planning the dismissal and termination conference, legal ramifications, severance pay, and counseling. (JKP)

Presents salary data for public library directors based on information published by the International City Management Association (ICMA). Ten population groups are represented and are further classified by geographic region, city type, and form of government. A comparison of data shows highest salaries in the West and lowest in the South. (LRW)

Four contributors to this column, including two administrators, a support staff member, and an educator responsible for training technical assistants, discuss training and recognition programs for support staff, with particular emphasis on empowerment strategies that have proven effective. (AEF)

A first-time project manager on a $4 million library addition and renovation project by the Homewood (Alabama) Public Library shares her experiences. Sidebars provide tips for new library project managers; description of construction administration documents; effective phrases to use with the contractor; and the top 10 lies told to a library…

Discusses the need for planning in public libraries. An example of successful planning in a small, rural library system is given; the importance of providing staff time for planning is emphasized; recommendations for administrators are offered; and an annotated bibliography of planning materials prepared for the Public Library Development Program…

Discusses areas needing revision in the manual "Output Measures for Public Libraries," i.e., measurement objectives, research skills of output measures users, management versus research contexts, relating inputs to outputs, problems in data collection, user versus library performance, sample sizes, interpretation of output measure…

Provides background on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and presents guidelines for library compliance, including read the legislation; designate an employee as ADA coordinator; evaluate current policies, services, and facilities; implement changes; provide training for library staff and related groups; and solicit feedback from disabled…