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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