Complete with illuminating case studies and worksheets that guide readers to develop a personal framework for individual learning, this toolkit is an easy-to-use handbook of the basic HR functions of a public library. Human resources is an area of leadership that requires its own specialized knowledge, but many library managers and directors assume their roles without any background knowledge of HR or adequate training. This comprehensive toolkit, which has been vetted by HR professionals as well as an attorney who specializes in employment law, is here to fill those gaps. Taking you through the lifecycle of an employee, and also providing a framework to develop skills and confidence, in this book you will learn: ways to incorporate an EDI lens into your employee processes, starting with accurately crafted job descriptions that are posted on diverse job boards; tips for hiring and onboarding new staff; advice on individual employee development and retention, from the importance of continuing education to methods for increasing staff engagement and strengthening morale; considerations for treating all employees equitably to maintain a welcoming and inclusive space for staff from marginalized populations; an overview of the essential HR laws that come into play, helping you navigate difficult situations like discipline and termination; first-hand accounts of HR successes and challenges; and how to create a personalized structure around your HR learning and put it into practice, using a variety of worksheets, questions for reflection, templates, and tools provided in the book.

New public library directors quickly learn what seasoned directors already know: running a library means you’ve always got your hands full—balancing the needs of staff, patrons, facilities, library boards, and other stakeholders with professional responsibilities like community interactions, legal and financial requirements, and whole lot else that wasn’t exactly in the job description. Whether you are considering becoming a public library director, are brand new to the role, or have settled in but find yourself thinking “there’s got to be a better way,� authors Hall and Parker are here to help. This book walks you through the core components of getting up to speed and then provides templates, sample documents, checklists, and other resources that will make your job easier. Gleaned from their own decades of experience in library leadership positions, in this toolkit they cover such key topics as employees, trustees, finances, legal issues, library policies, emergency planning, and technology; discuss strategic planning and share advice on keeping up with trends; offer nearly two dozen ready-to-use resources, including a Director’s Report Template, a Social Media Policy, an Employee Exit Questionnaire, a Library Cleaning Checklist, a Vision Statement worksheet, and more; and suggest additional learning opportunities in each chapter to help you continue your learning journey. Public library directors can steer clear of common pain points by relying on the expert guidance and organizational aids in this toolkit.