The Sourcebook for small public libraries is :
- a how-to manual which covers a variety of topics pertinent to the successful operation
of a small public library.
- a ready source of practical information on current library practice
- published as a series of small booklets
- available in English and French
The Sourcebook is full of practical samples on most topics. For example
there are sample by-laws, policies, book-keeping forms, forms to aid in the gathering of
statistics, etc.
The Sourcebook is divided into four sections and within each section the
following titles have been published.
Note:
The Sourcebook for Small Public Libraries, originally published by
the Ontario Library Service, are no longer available in print form. Some of the
Sourcebooks have now been posted on this Web site. These may
require
Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view the .pdf files.
Administration
Administration 1: The Public Library Board. Out
of print
Administration 2: Organization of the Board. Out of print
Administration 3: Directors' Liability Out
of print.
These topics are covered in the newer publication entitled "Library
Board Orientation Kit" that is also posted on the Web site.
Administration 4: Personnel The Sourcebook was written in 1991.
Many facets of human resource work have changed. The publication is no
longer available.
Administration 5: Planning for Library
Service and SAMPLES
Explains the benefits of planning in order to ensure that the community's needs are being
met It summarizes the steps in the planning process and the information which should
appear in a planning document. It is accompanied by a companion document Needs
Assessment and Strategic Planning for Public Libraries in Northern Ontario: a how-to
manual.
Administration 6: Marketing and SAMPLES
Highlights ways in which the library can promote its materials, services and programmes
through development of a marketing plan.
Administration 7: Statistics
Explains what statistics should be collected and how to collect them. Describes a variety
of uses for statistical information. Please note that the requirements of the
Annual Survey of Public Libraries, as described on pages 4 and 5 of the
Sourcebook, have changed. For the latest information on the Annual Survey,
please visit the
Ministry of Culture. Libraries Unit web page for the
Ontario Public Library Statistics.
Administration 8: Volunteers and SAMPLES
Discusses what volunteers in the public library should do, and what volunteers should not
do. A sample policy, application form, contract, job description and handbook are
provided.
Administration 9: The Role of the CEO
and SAMPLES
Looks at appointing the CEO, and the CEO's relationship to the board, municipal government
and the community.
Administration 10: Trillium Public Library Policy Manual
Information contained in the Trillium Public Library Policy Manual
has now been posted in the
Sample Policies (By Topic) section of the Web site.
Collection Development and Management
Collection Development and Management 1: Policy and Planning
and
SAMPLES 1-3 -
SAMPLE 4
Provides the sample Trillium Public Library Collection Policy as the
highlight of this booklet. A policy such as this guides the overall development of the
library's collection.
Collection Development and Management
2: Selection, Acquisitions and Weeding
Explains the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of selecting, acquiring and
weeding material for the library's collection. Most of this publication,
originally published in 1993, is now out of date and is no longer available.
Only the weeding section of this Sourcebook has been posted here.
Collection Development and
Management 3: The Catalogue
Shows the reader how to interpret and use cataloguing information.
Collection Development and
Management 4: Organizing the Book Collection
Presents the merits of organizing materials by format, subject and age.
Collection Development and Management 5: Circulation
Provides an overview of both manual and automated circulation control systems.
This publication, originally published in 1993, is now out of date and is no
longer available.
Collection Development and
Management 6: Local History and Genealogy and
SAMPLES
Discusses collection guidelines, organization and public access to the collection.
Information regarding organizations which may be helpful to anyone undertaking
genealogical research is included.
Services
Services 1: Reference and Information Service
and SAMPLES
considers the ethics and policy in reference service and defines the reference process
including the reference interview and the search for information.
Services 2: Readers' Advisory Service
and SAMPLES
discusses the process of matching books to readers and readers with books. Personal
contact, signage and labelling and the impact of technology are considered.
Services 3: Children's Services
and SAMPLES
summarizes library services to children and considers potential audience, facilities,
collection and services.
Services 4: Programming
and SAMPLES -
SAMPLE 3 -
SAMPLE 4
covers planning and executing a programme, programmes for specific age groups, resources
and evaluation.
Finance
Due to changes in the area of finance, the three Sourcebooks entitled
Budgeting, Financial Record-Keeping and Funding are no longer
available. For information on
funding development, check this
section of the Web site.
