District Library Administration: A Big Picture Approach

Cynthia Anderson is the book editor for Linworth Publishing.

This amazing compendium, full of sound advice and practical suggestions, is designed to provide both immediate answers and long-term guidance for library media program administrators. Nine detailed chapters provide step-by-step procedures to help users manage daily tasks, deal with occasional challenges, or prepare for once-in-a-career type events. The author, who has worked as a school librarian, media director, building administrator, and currently as an associate superintendent, shares her considerable expertise on tasks ranging from calculating shelving needs to designing curriculum to creating a list of furniture specifications for an architectural firm. The first chapter is devoted to staffing and personnel, and addresses recruitment, job descriptions, interviewing, negotiating, evaluation, mentoring, procedures manual, and working with other administrators. Equally comprehensive subsequent chapters cover policies and plans, collection management, financial issues including budgets, facility, building and grounds maintenance, programming, technology (including information on pertinent legislation and government programs), professional development, and advocacy. Sub-headings, helpful acronyms, and a detailed index help users navigate all this material. The appendix includes generic forms, charts, lists, specifications, plans, timelines, and report formats, all designed to be duplicated. The book encompasses an impressive amount of information; a bibliography of print, video, and Web resources direct readers to additional resources. This must-have handbook will enable every library media administrator, whether brand-new or nicely-seasoned, to do a better job, and be more efficient. Highly Recommended.