Welcome to today's library Return to Table of Contents
Congratulations on your appointment as public library director! If you are reading this manual, reality has set in. The library is much more than that nice quiet place that you have fond memories of using, as a child, student, parent, or citizen. Gradually, the picture is emerging of a complex organization, subject to federal, state, and local regulations, serving an increasingly diverse community of library users. In order to run the library effectively, you have discovered that there is a body of knowledge and theory that guides the management of libraries and a multitude of institutional practices and procedures that you are expected to learn as quickly as possible.
Orientation - putting the library pieces together
The State Library has prepared this orientation manual especially for Utah's first-time directors. It introduces you to your job and acquaints you with what the State Library and the library profession in general expects of a public library director. In addition to reading this material, you should begin meeting and talking with other librarians
You are not alone
The Utah State Library (USL) is a primary resource for new directors. USL is responsible for statewide library leadership and development. The staff of the State Library includes a group of librarians with expertise in a variety of subjects and they are all available to help you become oriented to the world of library service. One of the staff will be assigned as a consultant for your library.
Within Utah's library community, you have plenty of colleagues that you can turn to for advice, mentoring, and networking. There are approximately135 managers of public library facilities that serve populations as small as 500 to more than 500,000, and all are willing to share information and experiences. The state's professional organization for librarians, Utah Library Association (ULA), provides additional opportunities for professional growth and continuing education.
Resources
Utah State Library
ULN Discussion List
Utah Library Directory
Utah Library Association