Session 4 - Human Resource Management

Among the most essential of library policies are personnel policies.  Since personnel costs are typically 55-65% of the library’s total budget, it makes good fiscal sense (as well as good human relations sense) to place a high priority on personnel policies and personnel management.

The library boards’ responsibilities include recruiting, hiring, and evaluating the library director.  Library directors, then, assume the responsibility for recruiting, hiring, supervising, and evaluating all other staff. 

Promoting continuing education for the staff, as well as for the trustees, is an essential component of personnel policies.  When this "education philosophy" is supported with real dollars as a budget line item, then the policy can be carried out.

Learning Objectives for Session 4:

• To understand the elements of a personnel policy
• To recognize good personnel practices, including hiring, evaluation and training
• To understand the importance of communication in building good staff relationships
• To understand the following standards, as listed in In Service To Iowa:

1. Standards 22-27 (p. 10-11)  

Assignments for class:

• Reading assignment
• Written assignment - None assigned for this session
• Web board discussion questions
• Additional reading and resources