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Public opinion about the library is significantly influenced by the policies that are in place governing the use of the library and the quality of service that library users receive when they visit the library. New directors are advised to take time to develop thoughtful policies, store the policies in a handy manual, and ensure that staff are trained to interpret and apply the policies appropriately.
Developing library policies
Developing policies to guide the operations of the library is one of the major duties of the library director. The director, with input from the staff, is responsible for delineating the policy issues to be addressed and proposing solutions that conform to generally accepted library practices. Prior to final adoption by the board, the policies should be submitted to the legal department of local government for review of the policy's wording and enforceability.
Procedures follow policies
Although the board sets the policy, the nuts and bolts of putting the policy into action is delegated to the director and staff. Policies are implemented through internal procedures that must be put in writing for staff to refer to. Procedures are the step-by-step actions needed to carry out specific tasks and should be written in sufficient detail so that someone unfamiliar with the job could perform the function.
Personnel - making policies work
The library director is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising a competent workforce. The staff then enforce the library's service policies and are in essence the face of the library. The director should make sure that all library job descriptions are current and contain a reference to desired customer relations skills.
The library staff is the most effective public relations tool the library has.
Resources
Checklist for Policy Making in Your Library. LA. Library Director's Handbook, p 34-36
Policies - UPLIFT Library Administration Class, Spring 2005
Personnel
- UPLIFT Library Administration Class, Spring 2005
