How to Create a Public Library Organizational Chart

Libraries have to organize more than books.

A library system is a hierarchy like most organizations. Each member of the team is assigned specific duties that help keep the library system running smoothly. Committees may even be formed within the existing framework to oversee special tasks, but it is best to keep the organization fluid and refrain from overlapping duties to eliminate confusion. Christine Lind Hage writes in "The Public Library Start-Up Guide" that "There is no ideal organization structure" but it is best to use the simplest and most clear and concise outline possible.

Things You'll Need

• Personnel List
• Job Description List
• List of Departments

Instructions

1. Create a pyramid that lists departments and department heads and their job functions first and the subordinates underneath them. List the library system director at the top of the pyramid.

2. Make a list of the administrative personnel that report directly to the library director, such as the accounting department, public relations and community department.

3. List any services departments that are interdependent of any specific branch such as the bookmobile/mobile book service and the team members involved with those services underneath the person in the director's office responsible for managing those services.

4. List the services beyond interlibrary loan that are available to each branch. Break them down into services for children, adults and community support services. If there is a contact responsible for managing a group of services, list her name and all the services she is responsible for managing.

5. Make a list of any committees that have been formed. List the members of those committees and the personsthey report to. Make note of any overlap and determine ways to either eliminate redundancy.

6. List the branches in the library system and the lead librarian or branch manager for each location. Formulate a list of the community related programs created specifically for each branch. Name the person at the branch who works with the community founders or the head librarian.

References

• "Public Library Administration"; John Adams Lowe; 2007
• "The Public Library Start-Up Guide"; Christine Lind Hage; 2005

Resources

• Oceanside Public Library
• Collier County, Florida; Public Library System