MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES FOR SMALL AND ONE PERSON LIBRARIES

A. Governance and Structure

• Understand the role of the library in the political process and demonstrate how to work effectively with elected officials and/or parent organizations.
• Define the roles and responsibilities of staff and board.
• Develop and maintain an informed lay board/advisory committee.
• Understand how individual libraries participate in information systems and networks, specifically Minnesota multi-type and regional public library systems.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Minnesota statutes pertaining to library service.

B. Policy Development

• Understand the process used to identify community needs, develop library service programs and the necessary policy documents for board review and approval.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop strategies promoting library goals and objectives and to implement policies and procedures.
• Understand the need to review policy documents regularly and revise as needed.

C. Cooperation

• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with various library related organizations.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnership with other relevant organizations.

D. Personnel Management

• Develop, review, and revise written job descriptions for all staff.
• Recruit, select, and train new staff.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of relevant state and federal laws pertaining to employment and personnel practices.
• Understand and use participatory management skills.
• Conduct annual job performance reviews.
• Provide opportunities for and encourage participation in staff development.
• Develop, review, and maintain procedures manuals.
• Develop and practice time management skills.
• Develop and practice effective communication skills.
• Recruit, select, train, and supervise volunteers.
• Collaborate with auxiliary organizations.

E. Financial Management

• Understand the budget process, including its development, approval, and implementation.
• Promote budget approval with funding authorities.
• Administer budget once approved.
• Understand the grant process, demonstrating an ability to organize, administer, and evaluate a grant program.
• Maintain accepted accounting practices and procedures, complying with state and city audit requirements, and file necessary fiscal reports.

F. Planning and Evaluation

• Analyze existing data and community information needs.
• Conduct community analysis and user surveys.
• Develop vision and mission statements that recognize challenges and future potential for the library in cooperation with the library board, patrons, and appropriate administrative units.
• Develop short range and long range planning documents which include measurable goals and objectives.
• Incorporate new technology as appropriate and fiscally feasible.
• Understand the existence of regional, state, and national standards, and their relationship to local operation.
• Write annual reports.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of marketing and public relations.

G. Physical Facilities

• Supervise daily the site and building to insure safety of staff and library users.
• Work with appropriate agencies responsible for maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements.
• Modify library layout as necessitated by changes in programs, technology, or use.
• Understand the need to comply with all relevant national, state, or local building codes.
  
  

More information on the manual, Managing Small and One Person Libraries.



Back to Index | Previous Page | Next Page