Texas Libraries Get Financial and Management Training
Librarians and other staff in several Texas libraries are developing their management skills as well as learning about sound accounting principles with help from the Vinson Institute. Through an agreement with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Institute faculty are traveling to the Lone Star State to deliver some of the quality training and development programs for which it is recognized in Georgia.
Faculty will lead two-day workshops in seven locations that are considered "small libraries." Workshop participants will spend one day delving into effective management strategies. They will cover human resource issues, how to establish policies and procedures, and federal and state employment law compliance. Faculty from the Institute's Financial Management Program will deliver day-two training concentrating on accounting practices, budgets, purchasing, and developing short- and long-range financial plans.
Ultimately, the training will help the leaders of these smaller organizations cultivate the knowledge and skills to improve efficiency and provide improved service to their communities.
Tracy Arner, who manages the Institute's financial management training for state and local governments has a long history working with libraries in Georgia to help them establish financial practices. "Those dedicated to serving people through libraries demonstrate an admirable commitment to spreading literacy and a love for literature," says Arner, "but understandably, they usually know more about the Dewey decimal system than about debits and credits. Our training helps people in these organizations get the tools they need to achieve their missions through better operations behind the scenes."
In addition to the training offerings of the Financial Management Program, the Vinson Institute offers a number of programs related to leadership and management development for government officials and personnel in Georgia. Examples include the Management Development Program, Succeeding as a Supervisor, executive coaching, state agency leadership development programs, and more.
