Public Library Administration

This course is a basic overview of public library administration. If you are, or aspire to be, a director of a small-to-medium sized public library (up to a $3 million operating budget), this course is designed for you. The group addresses solutions to real-life scenarios, issues and challenges.

Topics:

• Qualities, roles and skills of management
• Leadership and empowerment
• Administrator and the board
• Mission and vision statement and long/short term goals
• Essential policies
• Budget and finances
• Recruiting, hiring, evaluating, and compensating
• Marketing and public relations
• Collections, services and technology
• Building and space management
• Programming, project planning and collaborations

Expectations:

The class targets weekly topics through readings, links and discussion questions. You are expected to participate in weekly lessons with online discussions/postings based on real-life situations and an assignment related to the topic. Assignments are not graded.

Textbooks:

No textbook is needed.

Your instructor:

Pamela K. Westby has managed public libraries in Minnesota and Wisconsin for 18 years and has worked in the library world for more than 20 years. Currently serving as the library director for the Middleton Public Library (Middleton, WI), Westby believes successful public libraries are relevant to their population, empower individuals, and strengthen communities.

Login information for the course will be emailed to students a few days before the course begins.

Certification:

This course satisfies a requirement for certification in Wisconsin and Indiana. Check with your state library agency to find out if it satisfies a requirement in your state.