Collaborator, steward and thinker, three terms used to describe a good budget manager.  I can see how all three need to be employed in order to manage a budget effectively. In the fast paced society in which we live, the demands of the curriculum and the new trends and processes that institutions are implementing for planning and teaching, teachers rely on Teacher Librarians to offer suggestions or find resources that support the need. Sometimes there is no collaboration with the Teacher Librarian as teachers want or need a resource ASAP.  When being a collaborator it is important that there is a balance. One way is showing initiative, being involved in planning sessions to help resource and support teaching and learning.  Another way is to look at the current collections to see if there is a similar resource.  This does not only apply to teachers but all community members.  Due to tight budgets, Teacher Librarians can not simply buy everything every community member would like.  They need to monitor and assess what best suits the needs of the community.

The roll out of the new Senior Syllabus is a prime example of how a Teacher Librarian shows leadership and stewardship.  Liaising with the principal and subject coordinators to move through the costly yet essential process is essential in order to provide a collection thats caters for the needs of the community.  One needs to be organised, monitor and assess and keep track of all expenditure.

Being creative and thinking outside of the box is also important when managing a budget.  Negotiating with others and being resourceful on how to access other funds can offer opportunities to support the library collection and budget.  A resource that is multiple purposeful opens up conversations and negotiation as to which budget it can come out of.  It is also important that one does not spend all the budget at once or early in the year.  That it is thought out to allow for special events, redesign or new products or trends that occur.

To manage a budget effectively one needs to plan, record, consider, collaborate, lead, initiate, and reflect on all purchases to be made and those that are made.