The Public Library Director's Toolkit

by Kate Hall, Kathy Parker

New public library directors quickly learn what seasoned directors already know: running a library means you’ve always got your hands full—balancing the needs of staff, patrons, facilities, library boards, and other stakeholders with professional responsibilities like community interactions, legal and financial requirements, and whole lot else that wasn’t exactly in the job description. Whether you are considering becoming a public library director, are brand new to the role, or have settled in but find yourself thinking “there’s got to be a better way,” authors Hall and Parker are here to help. This book walks you through the core components of getting up to speed and then provides templates, sample documents, checklists, and other resources that will make your job easier. Gleaned from their own decades of experience in library leadership positions, in this toolkit they


cover such key topics as employees, trustees, finances, legal issues, library policies, emergency planning, and technology;
discuss strategic planning and share advice on keeping up with trends;
offer nearly two dozen ready-to-use resources, including a Director’s Report Template, a Social Media Policy, an Employee Exit Questionnaire, a Library Cleaning Checklist, a Vision Statement worksheet, and more; and
suggest additional learning opportunities in each chapter to help you continue your learning journey.

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2019

Reviews

[Pedro Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for new and starting Library directors.

[Krissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok- I won’t read again. It is geared for those brand new to directorship or those seeking to become directors. For those individuals, this book would be helpful.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I can see how this book is an especially helpful resource for new library directors, I believe there's an unexpected audience who benefits just as much - library trustees. Hall and Parker have written a comprehensive guide, outlining the skills and priorities every public library director should be focused on and providing them with tangible exercises and resources. Whether hiring a new director or evaluating a current director, library trustees will find invaluable information in this book to better understand the role of a director and support their strategic leadership - maintaining the public library as a vital community entity poised to serve patrons in continually evolving ways.

[Saima · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of responsibilities. Tips on what to do on your first day, first week, first month and first year as a director. I especially liked the sections about emergency preparedness and strategic plan.

Even if you're not planning to be a library director (or even an executive), this book is a good way to learn about all aspects of public library from a high level perspective.

[Becky Kyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be included in every hiring packet for new library directors!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an invaluable resource to help new director's gain solid footing in their new roles.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently moved from the private sector into a management role in a public library this book is very helpful in providing an overview of the responsibilities of a library director. It doesn't go into much depth in any particular area, but has a number of very useful checklists, forms and policies.

The book is likely not as useful for those who have worked in public libraries for a while and are more familiar with the job responsibilities. The book, however, does provide lists of references for those who want to go more in depth in any particular area.

One additional caveat - the book is US-based and there are a few sections of the book that won't have much meaning for those outside the US. In particular the legal chapter and the section on health insurance.