The artifacts associated with this standard demonstrate my ability to perform basic managerial functions. One consists of a projected budget, working with a real-world example, and projecting 10% increase in funding. The other required that I use a real-world job listing to create interview questions.
The budget assignment demonstrates my understanding of the principles of planning and budgeting in libraries and other information agencies, as well as the concepts behind, and methods for, assessment and evaluation of library services and their outcomes. In order to project the budget with a 10% increase in funds, I needed to analyze the collection and facilities expenditures to determine how the budget could be better apportioned. In the end, I eliminated microfilm purchases, reduced the budget for periodicals, left book purchases the same, and put most of the increase into building and equipment improvements.
The job listing assignment demonstrates my understanding of the principles of effective personnel practices and human resource development. In crafting the interview questions, I tied talent characteristics directly to the qualifications and duties required of the open position. I then tried to form interview questions that would reveal these characteristics. Overall, I thought this a useful strategy for evaluating potential performance on the job, and believe the assignment prepared me fairly well for any future hiring I may have the opportunity to do. Together with the budgeting assignment, I believe I can perform basic managerial functions with some competence.
Indy Librarian 