A system-wide training program in a large, urban public library system is sought relating to library administration's expectations of branch manager roles in the field while developing library leaders. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to investigate branch manager perspectives on the needs of front-facing managers and…

This essay aimed at large and medium-sized public libraries discusses library administration as a low-level function meant to support, rather than rule, the nonadministrative staff; management and administration as separate functions; the delegation of responsibility; and tasks of the administrator. (EJS)

Discusses the role of library governing boards and the environment of the rural public library in considering the functions of the rural library trustee. (FM)

Describes both a dichotomy between library managers and library staff involved in direct service and a supervisory development instrument intended for use by employees to rate supervisors. This instrument, which is included, is designed to encourage an organizational climate characterized by mutual trust and shared values among supervisors and…

A successful director must delegate authority and manage available resources to allow time for legal affairs, lobbying, public speaking, and community and institutional involvement. (RAA)

The guidebook presents historical, legal, and practical information on the role of the board of trustees in North Carolina public libraries. Six sections detail the following: (1) matters relating to the powers and duties of trustees and to the internal operations of the board; (2) the relationship between the board and the chief librarian as it…

Discusses some of the main considerations that relate specifically to the head librarian of a public library as an individual in the role of administrator. These considerations include personal attributes of the head librarian, the internal administration of the library, and external relations with the trustees, local government, and general…

This paper examines the importance of contracts in formalizing agreements between libraries to provide services to off-campus students and describes the development of one such contract. Topics addressed include: (1) the value of contracts in clarifying responsibilities and elevating contracted services in the hierarchy of institutional…

Develops a career and managerial profile of directors of Northeastern medium-sized public libraries based on the responses of 217 directors. The results confirm the existence of many of the gender-based career patterns found among directors of academic and larger public libraries together with an emphasis on internal administrator roles. (16…

This book defines the role and obligations of the library trustee in a wide range of situations and also discusses keys to successful communication between the trustee and library director, staff, and patron. Chapters are: (1) "The Trustee in Today's World" (F. William Summers); (2) "Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees"…

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,…