In April 2010, the New York State Board of Regents challenged the library community to rethink the State's vast array of library services to ensure that they are aligned with modern expectations and the expanded functions needed in today's society, operate with improved efficiency, and are prepared for the future as an essential and vibrant part…

When the author ran into other recent graduates at the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference in New Orleans in 2006, several told her they were not happy with their jobs. After months of searching, they settled for positions in isolated rural libraries, have jobs with little responsibility, or are expected to manage their staff…

Discusses the role of library trustees or board members in public library administrative decisions, examines managerial styles among public library directors, and describes situations that invite the board to micromanage. Sidebar "Success in 10 Steps" suggests ten steps to maintain a balance of power between staff and trustees. (LRW)

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…

Discusses the need for library directors to have micromanagement skills and presents five scenarios of problems that need micromanagement. Topics include knowing when to intervene, the need for strong personnel policies, relationships with councils and trustees, and the need for continuing education in management skills. (LRW)

Discusses the relationship between innovative public library services and library administration's need to seek cooperative relationships with outside organizations to implement such services. The formation of the Consortium for Public Library Innovation (1976) is described, and a list of references is provided. (FM)

A trustee of a Canadian public library discusses issues that must be addressed by the library board when the library staff forms a union. Suggestions are provided to aid in dealing with a union. (CHC)

Describes strategies library director Dan Wilson used to keep the New Orleans Public Library ahead of budget shortfalls. Successful lobbying efforts to get a tax levy; growth in the library budget, technology, and services; changes in the service population; and Wilson's role as a facilitator are covered. (KRN)

The following information is provided in this annual report: names and positions of 1996 Board of Trustees members, Library of Michigan Foundation 1996 Board of Directors, legislative council, alternate members, and Library of Michigan staff; the library mission; a list of 10 major administrative tasks conducted in 1996; service and technological…

This paper discusses the legal basis for the National Library Board's national role for library development in Singapore. It examines the new National Library Board (NLB) Act 1995 and the direct and expanded responsibility it has given the NLB for the national and public library functions in Singapore. The paper also examines the various…

Presents an interview with two librarians who are participating in joint-use projects, one between a public library and a school library, and one between a public library and an academic library. Personnel, commingling collections, changing library roles, and governance boards are considered. (LRW)

The Library of Michigan is the official state library agency of Michigan. This annual report, covering calendar 1997, provides the following information: names and positions of members of the Board of Trustees and members of the Board of Directors, as well as legislative council and alternate members; the Library mission; accomplishments of the…

The public library board of trustees is an example of the great democratic tradition of giving authority for the operation of public agencies to members of the general public. The public library board is legally responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of the public library. The board hires the library's administrator,…

Library board members are an integral part of public libraries. Because of the importance of their role, this handbook gives library trustees in Oklahoma a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power. It contains useful information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws,…