The Biggest, Baddest Issues Facing Public Libraries

Carolyn BrewerLibrary Consultant

Instructional Librarianckd52@yahoo.com

Issues for 2014 and Beyond

Secondary: REALLY?

• Funding $$$$$$$$$$

• Advocacy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Relevancy ?????????

Plan For the Future

• Trustees

• The Right Staff

• Strategic Risks

2015 2016 2017+

What is a Trustee To Do?

• What has the Board accomplished in the last 2 years?

• What have you personally accomplished for the Board/Library in the last 2 years?

• What is your passion for the library?

What is a Trustee To Do? Cont’d

• What are your Strengths? Talents?

• What do you really dislike doing?

• Tie yourself into the mission/goals of the library.

What is a Trustee To Do? Cont’d

• And this all leads to your value in:

– Funding– Advocacy– Relevancy

The Library Director

• Soft Skills

• Power Skills

• Spotlight Skills

The Library Director and Support

• Professional Development

• Selecting Key Staff Members

• Training for All

Strategic Plans

• Last Updated

• Risks Analysis

• Plan for the Trustees

• Plan for the Library

Next Steps • Self Evaluations for Boards/Trustees– http://

www.compasspoint.org/board-cafe/self-assessment-board

– http://managementhelp.org/boards/development/evaluations.htm

• Update Library Director and Staff Job Duties/Goals if this hasn’t been done in the last 3 years

• Coordinate a Strategic Plan Committee/Group

Questions

• Please feel free to contact me for further questions.

• Carolyn Davidson Brewer– 817-901-1411– ckd52@yahoo.com

• Thank you and have a great day!!