MODULE 3 Managing a Budget
Lamb and Johnson (2012) outline three specific roles TL’s need in their professional tool belt to effectively manage the school library budget, the collaborator, the steward and the thinker.
The Collaborator
Working as an effective leader, TL’s need to work collaboratively with fellow staff and executive leadership, developing knowledge and understanding of the school budget and the school goals. Working closely with the school community allows the TL to gather firsthand insights of information and resource needs, as well as developing a sound perspective of the overall priorities of the school.
The Steward
Seeking input from all parts of the school and making sound purchases based on needs demonstrates how the TL works as a Steward. Both the noun and the verb for steward implies “a person responsible”, “looking after” and “managing”. A well-resourced library serves as a significant financial and educational investment the school can be proud of. Spending the library budget requires the TL to “look after” and “manage” this role with the highest level of responsibility required by them. Working transparently so others can see where the money has been spent and why, will serve the TL well, especially when resource purchases are challenged. Most library budgets are tight and there will be many times when people’s resource wishes cannot be met due to other priorities and needs. Having sound working relationships with colleagues and being transparent with purchasing priorities is vital. Demonstrating the libraries effectiveness in supporting learning and sharing future goals and directions (or weaknesses) through annual reporting to school executive not only provides transparency but is an essential way the TL can advocate the needs for the library budget.
The Thinker
Knowing the current collection and needs of the teachers and students as well as considering other factors before spending money on library resources demonstrates the TL’s role as a thinker. The culmination of being a collaborator and steward enables the TL to fulfil their professional responsibility of managing the school library budget with considered intentions.
THE BOTTOM LINE!
Be collaborative and transparent, advocate the need for your school library budget and spend wisely on well-considered purchases based on needs.
Reference
English Oxford Living Dictionary. (n.d.). Steward. Retrieved from: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/steward
Lamb, A. & Johnson, H.L. (2012). Program administration: Budget management. The School Library Media Specialist. Retrieved from http://eduscapes.com/sms/administration/budget.html.