Library Budgeting for Right-brained Thinkers

• Do you wish you could have a better understanding of how to effectively develop a library budget?
• Are you feeling lost in a sea of spreadsheets that seem to be written in a foreign language - at least to you?
• Would you like to build a network of support where you can turn for help in all financial matters?

Like it or not, as we ascend to higher levels of responsibility in a library, even those who consider ourselves right-brained need to get on the budgeting bandwagon. Spreadsheets, reports, forecasts, finance laws, percentages and estimates are part of every administrator's world and, when you're in charge, the buck stops with you. This course will help make you more confident about embracing this element of leadership.

In this course you'll learn:

• How a budget should be prepared and who is responsible for which parts
• The steps involved in the process of developing the library budget
• How to create an effective schedule or calendar for budgeting
• Where to look for support and guidance from financial experts
• How to broaden involvement in budgeting decisions
• Ways to continue to grow finance and budgetary skills

Course Description: This four-week online course will utilize readings, examples, resources and an online meeting to help you develop a better understanding of library budgeting. You will be able to apply the concepts and techniques immediately to your own library and community. As part of the course, you will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions with others.

NOTE: This course is a high level introduction to budgeting and is not intended for those who have financial training or extensive experience.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

• Week 1: Understanding Duties
  • The legal and political considerations for overseeing public monies
  • The budgetary roles played by the Director, the Board, the fiscal officer, etc.
• Week 2: Clarifying Process
  • The steps involved in the process of developing the budget
  • Using budget schedules
  • Keeping financial policies current
• Week 3: Building a Support Network
  • Identifying financial experts for support and guidance
  • Working with staff to broaden involvement with budget decisions
• Week 4: Continuing Success, Limiting Damage
  • Building checks and balances into the budget process to minimize the chance of errors
  • Learning from mistakes

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2 ½ hours per week, for a total of ten course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various options for assignments, discussions, or online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Library staff who have budgetary responsibilities, but who do not have a financial background. Useful for those who would like to move into leadership roles with fiscal responsibilities, too.

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at: infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

Learner Requirements: None

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

Keywords: Leadership