Southern Ontario Library Service

EXCEL: A certificate programme in
managing a small public library

Your assignment for this module is to prepare a budget for your library (or department or branch if you work in a larger system), and support documentation.

You should submit to your tutor:

• a line OR programme budget
• a covering letter or memo
• a comparison of the proposed and the current year’s actual and budget amounts
• graphs or illustrations which show the performance of the library (remember to make use of the Ontario Public Library Statistics for information)

Your assignment should be about 4 - 5 pages in length.

Draw a floor plan of the library or branch showing the location of the stacks, chairs, circulation/service desk, etc. (for collection organization and staff training purposes). Add the location of exit doors, fire extinguishers, etc. (for disaster planning purposes).

Compile an emergency procedures manual to deal with a fire, flood, and even a difficult patron requiring police help. If you already have such a manual in your branch or library, write a one-page commentary on how it might be improved (e.g. Are certain elements missing, Is it out-of-date?)

Submit your working diagram to your tutor and a copy of your emergency procedures manual (or one page commentary).