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…

This paper discusses personnel management issues that arose when the East Berlin (Germany) Municipal Library and the West Berlin America Memorial Library united in 1995 to form the Central and State Library. The first section provides historical background on the two libraries and their merger. The second section summarizes the East-West conflict…

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)

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)

Nine articles cover topics related to library financial resources: (1) escalating serials prices; (2) library budgeting; (3) entrepreneurship; (4) cutback management; (5) academic library budgets; (6) assessment of library effectiveness; (7) public library fund-raising; (8) capital investment; and (9) unit cost analysis at the Virginia Polytechnic…

Examines laws regarding the retention and destruction of library records. Issues librarians need to address are suggested, including a definition of public records, who determines what records can be destroyed, and penalties for violations; and a sidebar discusses the need for retention of historical records from public libraries. (LRW)

Directors of Alabama's 180 public libraries and 21 library systems were surveyed to determine their use and opinions of the "1988 Standards for Public Library Service in Alabama." Replies included feedback on standards directors considered most or least helpful and suggestions for additional standards. Analysis of the responses is…

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

Discusses the role of the public library trustees and considers characteristics that are important for successful library boards, including diversity, active participation, knowledge of laws that authorize creation of public libraries and describe the terms and duties of board members, selection and support of a good library director, and…

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 manual was developed to formalize Inglewood Public Library's existing policies and programs regarding library services to the Spanish speaking, and to define future program goals. The introduction discusses why such services have been initiated, why the manual was developed, and the potential benefits the manual has for library…

This study was concerned with the relationship between the perceptions public library administrators have of the possible influences of puppet use in libraries and the degree to which puppets are used in their libraries. Sixty-nine of the 80 questionnaires returned by public libraries in U.S. cities of 100,000 to 250,000 population were considered…

This guide to the responsibilities and regulations for library trustees in Idaho includes a brief history of Idaho libraries; regulations for the appointment of trustees; a directory of the state's regional library system and the public, district and school/community libraries within each district; a description of state aid distribution to these…

Here are 250 tested ideas for lively libraries, from GO (Getting Outside) to PEP (Programs, Exhibits, Projects) and POP (Positive Operating Procedures), collected by the Mercer County (New Jersey) Library at Trenton. GO ideas include public relations and outreach ideas ranging from ads at the drive-in movie to attending high school sports events…

Describes the history of the successful cooperation between the North York School System and the Metropolitan Toronto Public Libraries. Emphasis is given to the method of resolution of the problems inherent in such a cooperation and to the dismissal of some commonly anticipated fears. (JVP)