Leadership in Libraries: Observations from the Director’s Seat

Wednesday, March 17^th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm 

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

Doug Crane ~ Biography

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 and under his direction the System has won numerous awards including an Urban Library Council Innovation Award.

Doug was recruited by the Public Library Association for their first podcast in 2015. He 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, “Overcoming the Email Blues” in the December 2017 issue of Learning Exchange, the Newsletter of the Learning Round Table of the American Library Association, “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 currently serves on the State Library Council of Florida as Past Chair and is Past President of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN). In his spare time, he blogs about office productivity and efficiency practices, admires his collection of Doctor Who sonic screwdrivers, and relaxes at home with his wife, daughter, dog and cat.