PLA offers budget and finance workshop for public librarians

Contact: Louisa Worthington


PLA, Marketing Manager


312-280-5024

lworthington@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


December 9, 2008

CHICAGO - The Public Library Association (PLA) is offering public librarians an opportunity to learn practical skills and knowledge that will help them better manage their libraries’ budgeting process.

The Budget and Finance workshop, taught by Sandra Nelson, is scheduled for Jan. 14-15, 2009 in Decatur, Ga., and features an intensive, small group environment. Participants will learn how to link the budget process to the library’s strategic planning priorities; how to assign budget responsibilities, identify typical budget categories and prepare a program budget from a line-item budget. They will also learnhow to complete a cost-benefit analysis, establish fiscal controls and manage cash flow.

Budget and Finance is sponsored by PLA in conjunction with the Georgia Public Library Service. This two-day workshop will be held at the DeKalb County Public Library - Decatur Library (main branch). Registration rates are $250 for PLA members and employees of the Georgia Public Library Service, $300 for ALA members and $400 for non-members. For the full course description, instructor biographies and registration information, visit
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/plaevents/cplacourses/.

Budget and Finance is a Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) course, and completion of this course can be used as credit toward the CPLA program. This voluntary program is designed for post-MLS public librarians with at least three years of supervisory experience and includes a series of courses each focused on one aspect of library management. However, you do not need to be enrolled in the CPLA certification program to attend the Budget and Finance workshop.

For more information on CPLA courses offered by PLA, as well as the full 2009 schedule of courses, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s Web site at
www.pla.org. For more information on becoming a Certified Public Library Administrator, visit the ALA-APA Web site,
www.ala-apa.org

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.