Publisher's Synopsis
For any journey, it is often best to have a map. For libraries and librarians, that map is often a living document that speaks to where the organization is today, where the planners intend to take it in the future, and how to get there. Here is a structured tool for your public library's planning process. Tom Hennen, creator of the Hennen American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR), covers all key area of library development - budgeting, governance and administration, electronic services, collection development, technology, access and facilities, staffing and personnel, and more. A wide range of checklists are provided to help assess the quality of everything from the library director, the integrated system, or even the meeting facilities. Reference tables help evaluate the library's needs for FTE staffing, collection holdings, hours of operation, material expenditures and more. Even better, the CD-Rom calculates many of these numbers for your particular libraryl Policy development is covered with sample mission statements and policies for Volunteers and Friends, Internet Use, Disasters, and more, usable in large and small libraries alike. The step-by-step guide provides practical advice for all aspects of creating a plan, from creating a committee to long-range directions, and communicating results. The numbers - statistics, data, surveys, and even percentile comparisons - are tackled in a straight-forward, understandable manner. The companion, Interactive CD-ROM features more than 50 checklists and ""fill in the blank"" forms and a calculator for your library's individual needs. This is an essential resource for charting and navigating your public library's future.
