The PLA Reader for Public Library Directors and Managers

by Kathleen M. Hughes (Editor)

Overview

From working with a board of directors to making library policy recommendations, overseeing strategic plans, preparing budgets, supervising personnel, evaluating services, administering facility maintenance, overseeing materials selection, and more, directors and managers will find relief in this book's practical guidance and solutions--all of which are organized into brief, information-packed sessions.
The book's collected writings span the gamut of hot topics adn challenges facing today's library directors and managers: advocacy basics, tips for retaining and motivating employees, improving directorship, library communication, a discussion of intellctual freedom matters, the latest topics in reference, and the latest tools in technology.
Coverage of these important library subjects provides both the crucial knowledge and practial answers that will help public library managers and directors more effectively and successfully lead their libraries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781555706845
Publisher:	ALA Editions
Publication date:	06/04/2012
Pages:	376
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.78(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction Carol Sheffer v

Part I The Public library Landscape 1

1 Public Library Standards and PLA Planning Models Greta Southard 3

2 Characteristics and Trends of Public Libraries in the Public Library Data Service Statistical Report Mijung Yoon Lauren Teffeau 5

3 No Easy Targets: Six Libraries in the Economy's Dark Days Suzann Holland Amanda VerPloeg 19

4 Forming and Funding Public Library Foundations Benjamin Goldberg 39

Part II An Advocacy Mini-Toolkit 47

5 Advocacy Basics, by Metropolitan Group with PLA @ Your Library Taskforce 49

6 Advocate for More: Focus on Legislative Funding Stephanie Gerding 53

7 A+ Partners in Education: Linking Libraries to Education for a Flourishing Future Valerie J. Gross 59

Part III Ideas and Tips for Better Directorship 71

8 Staffing Public Libraries: Are There Models or Best Practices? Jeanne Goodrich 73

9 Leadership and Generosity Daniel L. Walters 85

10 Retaining and Motivating High-Performing Employees Paula M. Singer Jeanne Goodrich 89

11 High-Impact Retention: Retaining the Best and the Brightest Jeanne Goodrich Paula M. Singer 97

12 Great Expectations: An Interview with Jim Collins Lisa Richter 123

13 Branch Management: An Analysis of Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Public Libraries Chad Lubbers 131

14 Getting Your Money's Worth: How to Hire the Right Consultants Paula M. Singer Sandra Nelson 145

15 The Library Balanced Scorecard Joe Matthews 151

Part IV A Communications Primer for Public Library Directors 161

16 Library Communication Sandra Nelson 163

17 Identifying Options for Groups Sandra Nelson 181

18 Reaching Agreement with Groups Sandra Nelson 193

19 Presenting Data Sandra Nelson 205

20 Assessing Your Library's Physical Message Cheryl Bryan 217

Part V Ideas and Tips for Maintaining Open Access for All 225

21 The Importance of Intellectual Freedom Training Catherine Lord 227

22 Intellectual Freedom in Belief and in Practice Michael Harkovitch Amanda Hirst Jenifer Loomis 233

23 Barefoot in Columbus: The Legacy of Kreimer and the Legality of Public Library Access Policies Concerning Appearance and Hygiene James Kelly 251

Part VI Ideas and Tips for Reference Services 263

24 Reference Services in a Flat World Susan Hildreth 265

25 What Is Virtual Reference Anyway? Richard W. Boss 269

26 Ethical Responsibilities and Legal Implications of Providing Health Information Barbara Palmer Casini Andrea Kenyon 275

27 The Realities of Today's Reference Desk Sally Decker Smith Roberta Johnson 291

Part VII A Technology Mini-Primer for Public Librarians 299

28 Virtually Seamless: Exploring the Role of Virtual Public Librarians Janet Clapp Angela Pfeil 301

29 Library Service Planning with GIS and Census Data Denice Adkins Denyse K. Sturges 313

30 eContent Richard W. Boss 327

31 Blogs and Wikis Richard W. Boss 335

32 RFID Technology for Libraries Richard W. Boss 341

References 353

Index 357

About the Editor 367

About the Public Library Association 369