COMPETENCIES FOR LIBRARY ADMINISTRATORS
The objective of these competencies is to provide administrators with
self-measurement tools, as well as giving trustees guidelines for hiring
and evaluating a library director. The intended audience for these
competencies is library directors, assistant directors, branch managers,
department heads and librarians who aspire to an administrative position.
Management: the ability to administer a complex organizational system
- Develops effective policies and procedures that support the Library’s
mission
- Applies appropriate management techniques
- Assesses trends for possible action
- Maintains awareness of political and legal climate
- Ensures compliance with pertinent laws and regulations
- Initiates and implements new ideas in technology and other areas
- Effects structural or cultural change within the Library when necessary
or appropriate
- Maintains currency with management literature and professional organizations
- Adheres to the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
Planning: the ability to develop and carry out goals and objectives
for the Library that are relevant to the community
- Develops a strategic plan
- Communicates plan to internal and external stakeholders
- Implements the plan
- Assesses programs continuously
- Integrates the unexpected
Human resources management: the ability to determine what skills the
Library needs, to be able to find and support the individuals who staff
the Library
- Assesses staffing needs on a continuing basis
- Recruits personnel to match the Library’s needs and organizational
culture
- Provides effective training
- Assesses staff competencies, formally and informally
- Rewards good performance
- Creates opportunities for continuing education, staff development and
advancement
- Nurtures leadership within the Library
- Resolves conflict
- Creates a fair environment
- Generates and sustains enthusiasm for the Library’s mission
Budgeting and fundraising: the ability to obtain, disburse,
and manage financial resources to carry out the Library’s mission
- Prepares an annual budget to support and manage the Library’s mission
and programs
- Justifies budget using appropriate analytical tools such as forecasting
or cost benefit analysis
- Tracks and monitors income and expenses
- Prepares regular financial reports for governing bodies
- Participates actively in the annual audit process
- Keeps current on purchasing and contract laws and regulations
- Ensures that budget priorities align with strategic plan priorities
Communication: the ability to facilitate interpersonal and inter-organizational
communication to carry out the Library’s mission
- Identifies the audience for the message
- Chooses the appropriate medium to convey the message
- Articulates the message effectively
- Analyzes the results of the communication to evaluate the effectiveness
of the message
- Modifies and resends the message as needed
Political skills: the ability to communicate the value and role of the
Library to its governing bodies and community
- Advocates for the Library’s vision
- Works within the political structure
- Maintains a non-partisan position
- Builds partnerships
- Works with community leaders
- Builds consensus
Public relations: the ability to promote the Library ’s
mission and services
- Establishes and supports a proactive public relations program
- Networks and reaches out to the community
- Initiates and sustains personal contact with community stakeholders
Approved by NJLA Administration and Management Section January 13, 2006;
Approved by NJLA Professional Development Committee February 28, 2006;Approved by the NJLA Executive Board March 14, 2006
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