Above all else, we provide support to Directors of rural & small libraries
From a quick question to an in-depth project, the Colleague on Call team is here to take the weight off the shoulders of rural and small library directors. We created the New Director’s Guide for Public Libraries with new directors in mind, but you never know what you might find to inspire and refresh.
Advocacy
Directors, Friends and Foundation all have this in common: the need to advocate for the library. Colleagues on Call can provide these groups with advocacy workshops and help strategize your efforts.
Board Development
A happy, well-functioning board equals a happy, well-functioning library. Check out our guides for library boards: Recruiting & Hiring a Rural Public Library Director, FAQs: Colorado Open Meetings Law and FAQs: Running a Meeting.
Challenges
Sometimes library jobs can be challenging, especially when it comes to public complaints. Let us help make sure you’re prepared. And explore these helpful guides: Quick Guide to First Amendment Audits and A Guide for Understanding Challenges to the Electronic Resources in Your Library or School.
Collection Management
Where do you start?! Tips and hands-on help with everything from selection and donations to weeding and disposal of unwanted materials. Your Colleague is ready with expert advice and hands-on help.
Finances
Aarrgh! Budgets, fundraising, auditing and accountability, grants, Friends vs. Foundations, and more. Connect to resources with CLiC.
Human Resources
Managing human resources can be a minefield of legal and emotional situations. From recruiting to termination, we offer specialized assistance. Explore our guide to Recruiting & Hiring a Rural Public Library Director and let us know how we can help.
On-Site Staff Training
Have laptop, will travel. Let us help you solve issues specific to your needs and get you and your staff up to date.
Policy Development
Development and revision of policies is crucial for a smooth-running library and essential for staying out of hot water. You’ll also want to check out the Public Library Policy Collection.
Programming
Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or to tackle a community reading project, we’re here to bounce ideas and get you connected to resources.
School Libraries
The CLiC Colleagues on Call are here for you! From hands-on help weeding to policy development to space utilization to advocacy ideas within your school and community, we are here to support rural libraries across Colorado.
Space Utilization
A fresh eye can help revitalize your space and improve patron experience. From collection layout to signage audits to ADA requirements, we can lend a hand.
Strategic Planning
Informed planning for everything from daily operations to strategic planning isn’t as hard as you think. Nor does it need to be complicated. Our Quick Guide to Strategic Planning might just be the jump start your library needs.
Technology
Need guidance with planning, maintenance procedures, Wi-Fi solutions or discounted software? Get in touch. Occasionally we’ll have a general guide to offer, like our CIPA Software Options for Small Libraries document or Guide to Resource Management Software for School Libraries.
- New Director’s Guide, V.2, our latest update, better than ever!
- Quick Guide to First Amendment Audits, a timely, commonsense aid to help your library prepare.
- Quick Guide to Strategic Planning, both practical and approachable.
Our updated guides for board development, FAQs: Colorado Open Meetings Law and FAQs: Running a Meeting, are also available!
- Recruiting & Hiring a Rural Public Library Director is one of the most comprehensive guides we offer!
- CIPA Software Options for small libraries
- Resource Management Software for school libraries
- New Director’s Guide for rural/small libraries
- Understanding Strident Claims About the Electronic Resources in Your Library or School
