With an ever-larger array of systems and products all claiming to be the best, it is easy to be overwhelmed when making networking decisions involving long-term impact and substantial cost. This guide gives readers the information they need to make informed decisions.

The author of this text outlines the different forces affecting libraries and explains how and why librarians must manage external changes just as they manage internal resources. Among the factors are: the political context; innovation; economic issues; the impact of technology; and intellectual freedom.

The first of its kind, this readable, hands-on book will help you to see your library and the staff that runs it in a new, more strategic way. Experienced librarian and coach Ruth Metz outlines a focused and results-oriented game plan for achieving performance excellence from all staff members, from top to bottom, through a coaching style of management. By viewing the people you work with as a team, you can transform the work environment and, ultimately, the services you are providing your customers. Through real world examples, coaching scenarios, and pathways to excellence that are specific...

Make your library the place to be. The library is still the best place to go for traditional information - and for everything from Internet access, database reference, video and CD check-out to engaging exhibits, entertaining events, and more. The challenge is getting your customers and community to believe that their library has more to offer today than it ever did. It's up to you to communicate that the home or work computer can't come close to delivering the unique services your library provides. And you can do this with Powerful Public Relations. Whether you have a lot of time to devote...

Measure twice, cut once... If you can follow a cookbook, you can use these simple recipes - calculations, formulas, and measurements - to come up with statistics for analysis and management of your collection. Using measures of timeliness, relevancy, use percentages, user profiles, and comparisons, you can determine in quantitative ways the quality of your library's collection. From there, you can communicate its value to your customers and that's the name of the game By gathering concrete statistical evidence, you will be in a position to weed appropriately and make decisions about future...

To achieve the distinction of National Board Certification, school library media specialists face daunting challenges requiring hard work, teaching knowledge, collaborative skills, organizational ability, and courage. This study guide coaches school library media specialists through exam specifics. Author, librarian, and educator Gail Dickinson has been on the front lines since the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) introduced library media standards in 2000. Her work has helped bring the rigorous certification process into perspective, answer questions, and allay...

Using these proven instructional design principles, librarians can: - Assess learners and what they need- Train multiple library instructors to maintain consistency in teaching and outcomes- Replicate content for regularly scheduled workshops- Develop a standard of presentation (including handouts) to maximize learning- Evaluate results to ensure learners are getting what they need

A guide to serving the 12-18 year-old age group in libraries. Topics covered include motivating young adults to participate in the library, providing reference and homework support and creating a user-friendly and distinct young adult space in the library.

This work has been developed as a companion to the Planning for Results series. It aims to enable librarians to allocate resources in order for the library to fulfill its community needs.