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• Florida Public Library Directors Checklist

Florida Public Library Directors Checklist

This is a suggested checklist to help incoming Florida Public Library Directors manage operations, meet state legal requirements and take advantage of Division of Library and Information Services resources.

Florida library laws and legal issues

• Read Florida Statutes Chapter 257, the main law governing public libraries in Florida.
  • Read the State Aid Requirements for free library service in Florida Statutes 257.25.
  • Follow Florida Statutes 257.261 regarding confidentiality, user registration and circulation records.
• Make sure that library advisory boards and governing boards understand and follow Government in the Sunshine. 
  • Read Florida’s Public Records Law in Florida Statutes Chapter 119.
  • Read the Sunshine Law in Florida Statutes Chapter 286.
  • Read the current edition of the Government-in-the-Sunshine manual (PDF).
• Learn about the General Records Schedules, specifically GS1-SL for State and Local Government Agencies.
  • Read Florida Statutes 119.021 and Florida Statutes 257.36(6) regarding public records and records management.
• Make sure your library is operating as a Voter Registration Agency (VRA).
  • Read the National Voter Registration Act (52 U.S. Code § 20506 - Voter registration agencies) and Florida Statutes 97.058.
• Make sure your library services and facilities follow the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Financial issues and grants

• Find out how your library budget is developed and managed.
• Learn about funding through the Division’s Grants program. 
• Register and apply for funding through the Department of State (DOS) Grants system.
• Apply for a State Aid to Libraries Grant.
  • Review the State Aid to Libraries Grant Application Guidelines to see if your library meets requirements.
  • Submit the application by the deadline (typically October 1) in the DOS Grants system.
• Apply for E-Rate for internet and telecommunications funding.
• Check your library’s procedures for donations, Friends groups, and foundations.

Policies and procedures

• Locate the documents that established your library system.
  • If you get a State Aid to Libraries grant, your establishing documents are filed in the DOS Grants system.
• Review current interlocal agreements, if they apply to your library.
  • Figure out when your interlocal agreement needs to be renegotiated.
  • If you get a State Aid to Libraries grant, your interlocal agreements are filed in the DOS Grants system.
• Define responsibilities, governing structure and communication methods if your library is participating in a cooperative.
• Review your library’s interlibrary loan policy and participate in the Florida Library Information Network (FLIN).
• Get involved in the Florida Library Delivery Service.
• Update and review your library’s collection development policy.
• Consider adopting an internet safety education program. See Florida Statutes 257.12(3).
• Make or update a disaster plan.
  • Review disaster preparedness and response and disaster recovery.

Governance and statistics

• Read about how libraries are governed in Florida in our Florida Library Landscape (PDF).
• Look at statistics posted online or connect with us for more current data.
• Fill out the Annual Statistical Report every year.

Personnel and employment

• Make sure your personnel policies follow your local government rules and guidelines.
• Review the Single Administrative Head job description for State Aid to Libraries Grant.
• Learn about the Florida Retirement System (FRS).

Building and construction

• Identify who is responsible for your library’s building or facility maintenance.
• Locate a set of building or facility plans.
• Apply for a Public Library Construction Grant.

Professional development and networking

• Register for quarterly director calls to meet and discuss issues unique to Florida library directors.
• Register for online webinars.
• Watch recordings of webinars on YouTube. 
• As a director, you will receive the BLDing Success Newsletter through Constant Contact. 
• Sign up for other Division newsletters.
• Attend the annual Florida Public Library Directors Meeting.
• Attend the Division Orientation if you are a new director.
• Search the homepages of Florida public libraries.
• Connect with the Bureau of Library Development.

Resources for you and your staff

• Register for a State Library of Florida Library Employee e-card to access resources.
• Share Professional Resources for Libraries.
• Use training and marketing materials for the Florida Electronic Library (FEL).
• Share Florida Memory, the Florida Library Youth Program (FLYP), the Florida Statewide Digital Initiative and the Adult Learning Program with relevant library staff.