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Public Library Leadership
(Note: We are redesigning our web page. Some things might look a little funny as we work. Please pardon the 'mess'.)
Public libraries are essential community hubs. To meet the needs of every Coloradan, the State Library offers tools, standards, & resources, training and consulting, and communication infrastructure to strengthen public library leaders. We place particular emphasis on strengthening the 73% of Colorado public libraries that serve small and/or rural communities.
Other State Library Initiatives
Public Library Leadership Team
Public Library Data Tools
Public Library Standards
- In-Person Trustee Training
- United for Libraries Short Takes for Trustees
- Register for free
- Access via Colorado's portal
- Colorado Public Library Board & Trustee Handbook
- To request printed copies, email Sharon Morris
- Key Statistics for Trustees
- Colorado Library Trustees Email List (COLT)
- Library Advocacy - Trustee Tools from United for Libraries
- Wyoming State Library Trustee Resources
- What Every Trustee Should Know, New York State Library (Vimeo)
Get Started:
- Colorado Public Library Standards: The Public Library Standards conform to language in CRS 24-90-105(2)(a.3) calling for improvement in standards for public libraries.
- Colorado Public Library Standards Data Tools: This site provides public library data as maps, charts, and graphs that supplement the Colorado Public Library Standards.
- The Public Library Factbook: Basic & Essential Information for Managing Your Library (Word)
- New Director's Guide for Public Libraries (CLiC)
- New Director's Toolkit: Resources for Colorado Public Library Directors (CSL)
Community:
- LRS Resources for Community Analysis
- The Community Centered Library (Jamie LaRue) (Archived webinar) - One of the key changes in 21st Century public librarianship has been a shift in focus from library-centric to community-centric. This is sometimes called "turning out. But pragmatically, what does this shift mean to library operations? In this recorded webinar, Jamie LaRue, former public library director, author, and consultant, explores the Community Centered Library as it applies to human resources decisions, building projects, strategic planning, and the larger issue of advocacy.
Directories:
- Directory of Colorado Libraries: Displays a list of libraries.
- Library Email Lists
Professional Organizations:
- American Library Association
- Colorado Association of Libraries
- Colorado Libraries Collaborate! (CLC) Colorado’s reciprocal borrowing program. It provides FREE access to library resources for library users of all CLC member libraries.
- Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC)
- Public Library Association (PLA)
- Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)
Statistical Data:
- Library Research Service: (LRS) is responsible for collecting and organizing library data
- Colorado Public Library Data
- National Public Library Statistics
Law
- Colorado Library Law: (CRS 24-90-101 et seq). Full text, Quick Guides, and other information on the Colorado Library Law.
- Other State Laws Impacting Public Libraries
- Recent Colorado Legislation
Policy
- Sample Policies
- Fact Sheet: Protecting Personal Information of Library Users (PDF)
- Going Fine Free - Removing Barriers to Access (PDF)
Elections
- 2024 Election Calendar (CO Secretary of State)
- Guidelines for complying with the Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) (PDF)
- EveryLibrary - EveryLibrary works with citizen groups around the country to help them be effective supporters for their libraries on Election Day.
Library Districts
A library district is one of the four types of Colorado public libraries specified in the Library Law (CRS 24-90-101...). It is a political subdivision of the state, funded by a voter-approved property tax. Once the library district is approved by the voters, the appointed board of trustees has full governance powers and responsibilities, including mill levy certification, budget appropriation, and the authority to issue bonds.
Library District Legal Documents (Bylaws, Establishment and Maps)
Forming a Library District
Library Districts: The Basics ... and More (PDF)
For additional resources related to library district formation or to request a training for your city, town, or county, contact the Colorado State Library at 303-866-6900.
Disclaimer: This is not intended as legal advice or to serve as a legal opinion of the Colorado Department of Education. Please consult with your city, county or library district attorney, as applicable, for any legal implications for your library.
The Colorado State Library Public Library Leadership team offers in-person strategic planning workshops and training. Connect with us to schedule.
Check Out Colorado State Parks
A partnership between the Colorado State Library and Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides State Park passes and educational materials for checkout in every Colorado public library and academic library.
The purpose of the Colorado Broadband Roadmap is to implement strategies that leverage funding to meet the goal of connecting 99% of households to high-speed internet by 2027. Included in the Colorado Broadband Roadmap is the Colorado State Library's 5-year plan, Colorado State Library Plan on Broadband
Telehealth project assisting libraries to provide spaces or kits for checkout for patrons to have private telehealth appointments.
These kits were created by the same State Library staff members who worked on the Growing Readers Together initiative.
Supports libraries in engaging family, friends, and neighbors (FFN) caregivers in early literacy.
Language access information and resources.
Connecting - Collaborating - Consulting
The Public Library Leadership Development team provides professional development, facilitation, consultation, peer networking, and change management help along with running national & statewide initiatives. We are here for you as you improve your library services, plan for the future, and lead impactful change.
For more information, contact Sharon Morris, Public Library Leadership Principal Consultant: morris_s@cde.state.co.us or Kieran Hixon, Rural & Small Library Consultant: hixon_k@cde.state.co.us
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