Everything children's librarians need to know about running a department in the public library! Section I deals with planning services in the context of a community. Section II covers maintaining a productive work environment, recruiting and retaining staff, communicating with colleagues, annual reports, budgeting and fundraising, planning facilities, and keeping the department safe and secure. Section III focuses on collection development, electronic resources, intellectual freedom, and reaching out to the community through programs and special events, working with other youth service organizations, and marketing children's services. Section IV suggests ways in which children's librarians can participate in the larger professional community of librarians.
Every Youth Services Department in every Public Library should have this book in their own collection. It covers all the fundamental and managerial parts of Youth Services. This book is important for those wishing to be a Youth Services Specialist or Dept. Head.
Was recently transferred to the Children's Department at the library branch where I work. I checked out this book and ironically was too busy to read it at work!