Library Governance

Sometimes libraries have to ‘Find a Way’ to build – or rebuild - a relationship with their local governments. That relationship can be a positive, mutually reinforcing one; however, it can also be something less desirable. Municipal council members are elected by the people of their communities to deliver a wide range of programs and services, and there is always more work to do than there are resources available to do it. This is complicated with the notion with some that libraries have outlived their useful life, and some councillors will wonder why they waste money on a service that nobody uses. If trustees understand how local governments work, how they identify their priorities, and where they get their information, the library board stands a better chance of creating a positive relationship with local governments. Together trustees and staff can find a way to make it happen.
Learning Objectives:

• Understand Alberta local government structure.
• Learn how local governments choose from competing priorities.
• Discuss ideas about how library colleagues have kept the profile of libraries high.

A study, by the Public Library Services Branch (PLSB), to discover the best practices of the top performing libraries in the province. The study aimed to find out why some libraries were reporting declining statistics, while other where seeing increased statics. We set out to try and determine if we could find any common elements in the libraries that were seeing increased statistics. Would it then be possible to distil best practices and then share it with the other libraries? By studying the statistics, we were able to determine which libraries had high activity in three key areas compared to their population. The process gave PLSB a starting point and means for comparison and further study. The resulting report gathers the information we discovered on common elements between these locations, and could make a good comparison for those that wish to improve their own key performance indicators like gate count, circulation and turnover

Three librarians at three different libraries in search of an assessment plan. How do you do it when assessment is but one of several responsibilities, and when your library's assessment practices are at different levels of development? Hear three different stories about the challenges, successes, and process of assessment planning at some of BC's newer universities. Participants will have the opportunity to consider a planning strategy for their own library's assessment efforts.
Presenters:
Amy Paterson, Thompson Rivers University
Colleen Bell, University of the Fraser Valley
Laura Thorne, UBC Okanagan

The Alberta Library Trustees Association has heard our trustees and your questions in regards to your library manager. In this session we will address the responsibilities and duties of the library manager; the role of the library manager in respect to the board; how to evaluate your manager; and, if necessary, how to hire or dismiss your library manager.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the role of library managers and their duties
• Review different evaluation models
• Determine the qualifications desired in a new library manager, and whether or not your manager fits with the culture of your library