New Directors is a one day event that provides a wide range of information for the new and experienced director. The Library of Michigan staff discusses the basic workings of Michigan libraries and a special presenter speaks on library directorship in the 21st century. Topics include public library class sizes, the function of co-operatives, state aid reporting, penal fines and statistics, the benefits of the Michigan eLibrary, a brief overview of library law, a review of E-rate and technology planning, an introduction to Plinkit websites, and an introduction to our other statewide programs.

Advanced Directors is a one day event that will provide in-depth information on specific topics for new and experienced directors. For 2011, the theme was Financial Management in Libraries. Presenters covered topics such as budgeting, millages, tax capture, Renaissance zones, federal funding for libraries (LSTA), capital campaigns, investments and library foundations.

These workshops are held each fall. Look to Michlib-l or this Web page for registration information.

Who May Want to Attend

Current standards for state aid for public libraries require:

Classes 1 – 3: The director shall complete the New Directors workshop within 1 year of initial directorship appointment.

Classes 4 - 6: The director shall complete the New Directors workshop within 1 year of initial directorship appointment and complete the Advanced Director’s Workshop within 2 years of initial appointment.

This does not apply to directors that have completed these workshops prior to their current appointment as a director or those who were a director at their current places of employment prior to October 1, 2009.

Updated 09/30/2011