Maria Fung Presentation

Presentation topic: Public Library Services and Collection

Abstract:Brooklyn Public Library is one of the three main public libraries in New York City, serving a very diverse population that is made up of more than thirty ethnic groups. The library system comprises a Central Library, a Business Library, and 58 branches all over Brooklyn. The first part of the presentation will talk about the structure of the system such as the organization, funding, the different departments and their functions. It will also include the library’s various services to the public, from new-borns to seniors. The second part of the presentation will be on the library’s material selection policy, and the way materials are distributed to the 60 locations taking into consideration the size of the branch and the neighborhood.

Back to Top

Presentation topic1: Library Management and Operation

Abstract: Library management is a science as well as an art. It is because there are well established principles that are necessary to the operation of a library and that the manager must exercise social and emotional intelligence to get things done efficiently and effectively. This presentation will first discuss the hierarchical structure of the public libraries and the branch system of public libraries. The special function of the state libraries is also mentioned. Then, it goes into details to discuss two most important aspects of the library administration: the human resource management and financial recourse management, in regards to the mission of the public library. For human resource, it only focuses on the recruitment, since the professional development will cover the review process and staff evaluation. For financial resources management, it also includes some materials prepared by Susan Schnuer on fundraising and grant writing. Other parts of the management are also touched upon. In conclusion, it emphasis that dealing with people and enabling them to do their best, and managing the budget and finances in order to use monetary resources to the best advantage of the library are the two major challenges in library management.

Presentation topic2: Public Library Assessment in U.S.

Abstract: : Library Assessment will include an overview of the topics and a review of tools available from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the Public Library Association, states in the United States, the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and National Center for Education Statistics. Special ratings and awards such as Hennen's American Public Library Ratings and those from various media will be covered. The importance of listening to customers and focusing on outcomes and the quality of life will also be discussed. The fact that the fate of most public libraries in the U.S. is entirely a local matter will be emphasized.

Back to Top

Guoqing Li Presentation

Presentation topic1: Building a New Research Library for the 21st Century

Abstract: The academic research libraries in the 21st century have to provide quality learning spaces, offer virtual reference services, teach information literacy, keep collections (in all formats) current and relevant, and preserving, organizing, describing, and digitizing rare and unique materials, maintain digital repositories, give professional development opportunities to faculty librarians and library staff, and so on, under the pressures of scare resources, increased demands to do more with less. This presentation will demonstrate how American research libraries meet these challenges using the Ohio State University Libraries as an example, which just finished renovation of its mail library and is going through a structure change and making a new stratigen plan for the next decade. It will cover both the physical space and the human affect.

Presentation topic2: What Can We Learn from Performance Assessment?--The System and Practice in an Academic Library

Abstract: Descriptive analyses of two specific system-inherent problems, respectively: weighting scheme of the evaluated criteria and disqualification of the immediate supervisor as rater, are conducted. The purpose of PA is addressed with reference to PA and pay linkage. Circular supervision as an effective element to ultimately eliminate individual errors in an administration is discussed.

Back to Top

Julia Martin Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Laws, Policies, and Strategic Plans of US Libraries

Abstract: Examining the origins of US public libraries and the laws which govern them will reveal a framework for the legal and policy environment in which libraries operate. First, the origins of public libraries and the state laws under which they are formed will be explored. The historic objectives of public libraries and modern strategic initiatives will be compared. Second, policies regarding employment law, privacy, copyright, regulation of access to information (including Internet access by adults and children), licensing, and access by those with disabilities will be discussed. Public libraries are governed by federal and state laws, some directly written for libraries and some written for all institutions. Federal law directly targeted at libraries includes the Library Services Act, the Library Services and Construction Act, and the Library Services and Technology Act. Federal laws such as the Copyright Act, the USA Patriot Act, the First Amendment (freedom of speech), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act will be reviewed in a library context. Finally, some of the self-regulating policies of the profession, such as the Library Bill of Rights and the ALA Code of Ethics, will be examined to demonstrate the values and obligations of the library profession.

Back to Top

Presentation Topic: PUBLIC RELATIONS: Its Social Values and Impacts on Library Public Services

Abstract: This presentation will explore the significance of public relations and the roles of library administrators in promoting library public services through the successful case of collaborations among BCCC, BCPL and BCPS. The discussion will raise ten issues in conducting a successful public relations campaign.

• What are the values of public relations? Where does the funding for public relations come from?
• Who needs to be in charge of public relations? What are the responsibilities of a library director?
• How can anyone promote public relations? How are collaborations established and strengthened?
• What are the challenging issues in public relations? How could anyone resolve these challenges?
• How can responsibilities be fairly shouldered? How should the conflicts of interests be resolved?

Back to Top

Presentaion Topic: Library Consortia, Library Organizations, and Resource Sharing

Abstract: The presentation will give a general overview of library consortia, professional organizations, and resource sharing in the United States. It will cover the following topics: the roles, functions, and operation of library networks, cooperatives, and consortia; the mission, goals, and structure of library professional organizations and their relations to libraries and librarians, new way of resource sharing in digitization, Internet, and customer-driven environment. The role library consortia and library organizations play in resource sharing will also be address. OhioLink, ALA (including PLA), Rethinking Resource Sharing Initiative (RRSI) will be used as examples of each subarea.

Back to Top