This course covers the essentials of running a library — operations, people, money, strategy, and evidence — as one connected system rather than a set of separate chores.

It is for library staff and anyone stepping into a management role who wants to see how a library actually works and improves.

What you’ll be able to do

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the core operations of a library;
• apply sound people-management principles;
• plan and justify a library budget;
• set a clear strategic direction;
• choose and read meaningful performance metrics;

The lessons

1. Library Operations — the four engines: acquiring, organising, circulating, maintaining.
2. Personnel Management — recruiting, training, and motivating the team.
3. Budget & Finance — planning and tracking limited funds wisely.
4. Strategic Planning — deciding where the library should be in a few years.
5. Performance Metrics — measuring how well the library serves its community.

How to study this course

Work through the lessons in order — each is a short read with a worked example, a quick exercise, and a hand-picked free resource. Use the Previous and Next buttons at the foot of each page to move along. There are no fees and no enrolment barriers; the course is open to everyone, and you can revisit it any time.

This courseware is provided free by FRELIP. Original text released under CC BY 4.0; linked resources remain under their own licences. Curated by the FRELIP Open Courseware editorial team.