Professional librarians working in public libraries are generally evaluated in a number of ways, including standardized forms. By collecting and studying these forms, it was proposed that certain management traits and behaviors could be identified and compared. A total of 115 libraries serving municipalities with populations of more than 50,000…

Describes a plan developed by the Phoenix Public Library that involved all librarians working in branches in defining what constitutes excellence in professional performance in the areas of collection development, reference and reader's advisory services, and community interaction. Characteristics related to excellence are identified, and…

Mentoring in the fields of academia, business, and government has been studied since the early 1970s. The field of library science has recently begun to study this activity among the members of its profession. More research is needed to determine the extent of influence this area of career development has had on the careers of librarians. This…

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has gone into effect, many libraries are evaluating and improving their library services for people with disabilities. There are nearly 110,000 children in Missouri who receive some type of special education assistance because of physical, mental or emotional impairments. Through an anonymous…

This practical handbook focuses on interpersonal skills that will increase the effectiveness of recent library school graduates, paraprofessional librarians, and aides who have assumed the role of managing small public or school libraries. It describes numerous techniques that librarians can use to become better leaders and offers specific…