Access to timely, accurate, and relevant data is an essential component for public libraries. The Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report has been providing such data to the library community since 1988. PLDS is an annual survey conducted on behalf of the Public Library Association (PLA) where public libraries from the United States and […]
My big brother, the person who I always thought had his financial house in order, is facing the short sale of his home and possible bankruptcy. People we know—family, friends, and neighbors—are facing tough economic times. Lost jobs, home foreclosures, and cuts in hours and wages have caused people to lose hope in the economy […]
Here’s a scenario that recently occurred at Topeka and Shawnee County (Kans.) Public Library (TSCPL). Topeka is currently participating in the Big Read, a grant-funded, community-wide reading program. TSCPL picked The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett as its Big Read book. It is available in paperback and an audiobook version from Overdrive. One of TSCPL’s […]
This is an important and challenging time to be a leader. Public library leaders are expected to have great motivational and communication skills; be innovators, risk takers, and strategic thinkers; and at the same time be fiscally responsible and politically savvy. Leaders are being held more accountable for their expenditures and need to be able […]
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