A public library directors' job, no matter the size of the library, is very complex. It entails working with trustees, staff and the community on various levels. A director needs to work cooperatively with libraries in their area, their System or State Library, other government agencies and the media. Often the best tool for dealing with any issue or question is information. This toolkit will provide directors with sources of information concerning the different topics listed. The websites selected were developed by different state agencies, libraries from all over the U. S. and include ones from non-library sources. The toolkit will be a list that evolves, changing as issues, trends and libraries change. If you have suggestions, please contact Kathy Roegge at roeggek@mls.lib.il.us

Best Practices

What is the best policy for a certain problem? These sites give suggestions, policies or practices on how to handle situations.

Budgets, Investments and Taxes

Managing library funds competently is a priority for directors, it is important to understand how to create levy and working budgets, and how to handle grants, gifts and donations. 

Building relationships with local governments and community involvement

No public library exists in a vacuum; they are part of the greater community.  It is important to know your local government officials and other community leaders.

Collection Management/Archives/Special Collections

Based on the mission statement of your library, it guides what you purchase, accept as gifts and how they will be handled.

Conferences/workshops

Conferences are a great way to re-energize, network and get new ideas.

Customer Services

Polices or practices to aid you in finding the best way to help or deal with your patrons.

Dates and deadlines

There are many dates and deadlines that are crucial to remember, especially relating to funding.

Disaster/Emergency planning

When something happens, your library needs a plan to help staff and you handle it.

Friends of the Library and other support agencies

Everyone and every library needs a little support from friends.

Grants – locating and writing

If you have a special program or service you want funded, grants can help.

Human resources/supervising personnel

Good staff is essential to a well run library, but life events and other issues will crop up.

Illinois State Library, Systems and other agencies

For questions, ideas and other help you can turn to local “experts”.

Laws and legal issues concerning libraries

During your tenure you need to understand both State and Federal laws that govern libraries.

Leadership

Directors need to be leaders for their staff, board and community.

Library Advocacy

Whether you are talking to a community group, your local government or legislator you represent your library.

Library Buildings & Space, furniture & equipment

Something will always need to be fixed, updated or maintained.

Library Policies/procedures

Library Policies and procedures are there to help Trustees, the director and staff offer excellent service and meet their community needs.

Library Standards and Guidelines

Standards are the benchmarks that help libraries offer the best service to their community.

Marketing/Publicity/Handling the press

What is a marketing plan, how do I respond to a reporter, what is the best way to let your community know what you do.

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations provide networking opportunities and are sources for new ideas, standards and other information.

Safety/security in the library

As a public building, libraries are vulnerable to crime, vandalism and other security problems.

Statistics/reports

Statistics and annual reports help libraries to evaluate or validate what they do, often they are needed to justify expenditures or creating new programs/services.

Working with Boards/Trustees.

The Partnership between a Board and the Director impacts how the staff works and what kind of service the library offers to their community.

Other issues/links to consider

Here you will find future trends, ideas, etc.