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)

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)

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)

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…

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…

Describes the North Suburban Library System (Chicago) experience of becoming a Learning Organization which involves issues relating to management, decision making, knowledge transfer, and empowerment at all staff levels. Discusses teamwork, collaborative efforts, communication, information sharing, annual planning, and staff development and…

Describes an early childhood literacy program called Begin with Books and provides ideas for starting up, finding, and administering similar programs in public libraries. Topics include corporate sponsors; staffing; partnering with community organizations; training; scheduling; and budget information. (LRW)

Reports the results of a study of two library systems' differing approaches to staff involvement in library planning. The systems' attempts to prepare staff members, keep them informed, and encourage staff participation are described, and the resulting benefits are contrasted. Suggestions for successful staff involvement are offered. (34…

Discusses methods of evaluation that can be used to measure public library effectiveness, based on a conference sponsored by the Council on Library Resources. Topics discussed include the Public Library Effectiveness Study (PLES), quantitative and qualitative evaluation, using evaluative information for resource acquisition and resource…

Presents the perspectives of four public library administrators on sharing facilities with local schools, including benefits and problems. Topics include physical accommodations; intellectual freedom issues; security issues; management issues; costs and budgetary considerations; staffing; collection development policies; and the need for a…