As we turn our attention to National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) compliance, consider the following scenario in which a well-intentioned effort to help patrons engage civically revealed how the absence of an implementation plan can lead to inconsistent practices, legal risk, and unintended harm to public trust. The Gotham Public Library—a fictional, small, rural library…
Community Partnerships as Leadership in Action: Three Texas Library Stories Expanding Capacity Through Strategic Collaboration | Unger Memorial Library (Plainview, TX) Community partnerships aren’t just a programming strategy—they’re a core management and leadership practice that allows libraries to extend their capacity when space, staffing, or funding are limited. Unger Memorial Library’s collaboration with PBS Kids…
As we shift our attention to information security and privacy policies, consider the following scenario where a well-intentioned community event exposed how easily gaps in data-handling practices can put patrons at risk. The Gotham Public Library—a fictional, small, rural library in Texas—partnered yet again with the Madame Selina Kyle Foundation; this time to host a…
As we turn an eye to technology use policies, let us return to the land of imagination and visit the Gotham Public Library, a small rural Texas library that recently upgraded its computer area with new public workstations, expanded Wi-Fi access, and a makerspace laptop cart funded through a community grant from the Madame Selina…
Palacios Library | Palacios , TX At Palacios Library, leadership starts with listening. “Our success has been our availability for whatever is needed to keep our library afloat and be willing to help out our small town in any way we can,” says Head Librarian Vikijane Mosier. That spirit of responsiveness has guided the library’s…
What started out as a sizeable donation of custom-built video games from the county’s STEM club was quickly joined by the late Mr. Nguyen’s golden age Superman comics and his daughter’s childhood collection of rare Shojo manga—only to then be expanded by Ms. Gordon’s crafting overstock that was curated by the library’s teen advisory board…
With Summer Library Program in the review mirror, you can practically hear the thrum of those yellow limousines, taste the cafeteria‘s food service delights, and smell the essential oils of fresh pencil shavings mingling with melted crayons. And now that it’s back to school season, learning and reflection are top of mind. As the young…
Although none were born into leadership, it is a truth universally acknowledged that some achieve it and some have it thrust upon them. With apologies to both Shakespeare and Austen, the path to library leadership can be as varied as the individuals who travel it. Directors and head librarians come to this work by many…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter The most recent edition features information about a survey requesting input for the 2028 slogan and 2029 theme. Read the CSLP newsletter online or subscribe and receive it in your inbox each month. Awards, Scholarships,…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter The most recent edition features information about this year’s Summer Symposium, the 2027 slogan and the 2028 theme, resources for inclusive programing as well as community outreach, and library success stories. Read the CSLP…