August 1, 2007
This is not a primer for new board members. It should, however, be required reading for all library board members, library directors, and local administrators who oversee public library operations. The authorssee library governance as a team sport that requiresknowledge of the complex issues facing todays libraries, political skills to acquire appropriate resources, and willingness to become community leaders and library advocates. The book consists of five chapters, each of which addresses a strategic issue that modern libraries face: Managing Risk; Local Values, the First Amendment, and Challenges; Leadership and Management That Achieve Your Librarys Vision; Getting and Growing the Funding Your Library Needs; and Getting on Your Communitys Leadership Team. The material is tightly written for busy readers and includes current relevant data, real case histories, practical tips, and useful quotes. The companion Web siteprovides downloadable forms that can be customized.Individuals and boards that work through this manual should emerge armed with knowledge, skills, and consensus.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)