Leading a Small Public Library in Michigan

Abstract

Hear from a public library director of a small library in Michigan. The author assumed the role as a first-time library director. This column explores the opportunities and challenges of taking on a directorship of a small public library. An emphasis on customer service and building the library into a community player is a key theme. The library’s relationship to the city and other city departments is also discussed. Leading a public library through the COVID pandemic is touched on as well. This column is a glimpse into the operation of municipal government and public libraries. Smaller public libraries are special places in a community and this column helps you understand how they function.

Keywords:

• Library management
• public library
• library director
• community partnerships
• COVID
• library board
• city council
• local government
• municipal library
• customer service
• community building
• library governance