Between a pandemic, political partisanship, and fast changing technology, public libraries are experiencing a dramatic series of changes and challenges. To survive in these unusual times exceptional leadership is required from our Library Directors. However, few people understand exactly what a Director does with their day and why it impacts their library’s operations both present and future. In this webinar, participants will learn:
- The specific core functions that Public Library Directors focus on
- Keys to effective leadership in public libraries
- Why becoming a library director may be the right or wrong career path for you
- How you can be a library leader from any level of the organization
Bio
Doug Crane began his career with the Palm Beach County Library System as a children’s librarian in 1998. He then served as the Electronic Resources Coordinator, a Branch Manager, and the Director of Branch Services. He was appointed Library Director in 2014. Under his direction the System has won awards from the Urban Libraries Council and the Florida Library Association. Doug was named Florida Librarian of the Year in 2021. Doug is the author of the articles, “May I Ask You a Question? Lessons Learned from Interviewing Public Library Leaders,” in the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of Public Libraries, “Efficient Librarianship – A New Path for the Profession” in the Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Public Libraries, and “Go For It! Advice From Library Directors” in the May/June 2019 issue of Public Libraries. He is a regular contributor to Learning Exchange, the Newsletter of the Learning Round Table of the American Library Association. In addition to his work in Palm Beach County, Doug served as Past Chair of the State Library Council of Florida and is Past President of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) and has served on several Public Library Association committees. In his spare time, he blogs about office productivity and efficiency practices, admires his collection of Doctor Who sonic screwdrivers, and makes frequent trips with his family to Walt Disney World.