Library Systems  
RSS
Threads [ Previous | Next ]
Administrative/Leadership Standards
Showing 3 results.
Administrative/Leadership Standards
12:21 PM EDT 7/1/09
The Library System Standards Committee welcomes your comments about the newly posted discussion draft of administrative/leadership standards for library systems. Thank you in advance for your input about the draft standards for library systems as well as related member library responsibilities.
RE: Administrative/Leadership Standards
2:58 PM EDT 7/2/09 as a reply to Kathleen Bloomberg.
I have a couple of comments.

First, a small note: Under Expectations, section (b), I believe the second sentence should say "The library system staff carries out the board's policies," for clarity.

Second, under Advocacy and Innovation, I'm concerned about section (b), which reads "b) The system shall ensure that non-member libraries are aware of the advantages of system membership and encourage them to become members."

I take issue with the word "ensure." While this is a lofty goal, it is impossible for systems to even be aware of all the non-member libraries that may exist within their system boundaries. In addition, systems are already understaffed as it is, and often are unable to keep up with needs of current members, and yet there are still many private schools, corporate libraries, and small colleges which are not members.

I would prefer that my system focus on serving current members. While promoting system benefits is important, I would suggest the language should read "The system shall make information available to non-member libraries..." or even "The system shall promote the advantages of system membership to non-member libraries..." rather than using the word "ensure."

Otherwise, the document seems very thorough and well thought out.


Jeannie
RE: Administrative/Leadership Standards
2:03 PM EDT 7/10/09 as a reply to Jeannie Dilger-Hill.
I have been impressed with the careful thought that has been given thus far to the revised standards. On a detail note Under Library System Board of Directors f, I believe that the it should probably read "library system board" rather than "library board."

I agree with the earlier comment about using the word "ensure" in relationship to unserved members. It is important to work with folks who are interested in forming a viable library service entity and provide the information that they need but "ensure" does seem to imply a more proactive role. As a system employee who deals with public libraries, I can verify that we do get some inquiries from citizens at large but most of those folks start by making inquiries at a nearby library which will refer them on to us.