Managing From the Middle: Branch Managers

An introductory course for new and aspiring branch managers on the ins and outs of this tricky but vital role in public libraries.
Format

Live via Zoom with pre-work

Dates

July 14 - October 6

Facilitators

Kelsey Hughes & Michelle Hamiel

Credit Hours 

20 credit hours

Schedule

Live meetings every other Monday, 2-4pm ET

Price

$3,000

Write your awesome label here.

About the course

Though management is a core responsibility of many within the field of librarianship, it is not always a skill taught in library school or easily learned on the job. In order to be effective, a branch manager must understand how to build upon the needs, skills and talents of the staff they lead to achieve impact as a team. They also must carefully balance the needs of the branch and local community with the interests and priorities of the larger library system of which they are a part. Effectively managing and, further, confidently leading others requires self-reflection, intentional learning, and continued practice. This three-month course will instruct new or aspiring branch managers to build the skills necessary to achieve impact in their role. At the end of the course, successful participants will earn a certificate recognizing the expertise they have gained. 

Course live meeting dates (all at 2-4pm Eastern Time):
July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Sept. 22, Oct. 6

Learners are expected to attend and actively participate in all live sessions. Recordings will be provided should a conflict arise, but registrants should plan to attend all or almost all sessions live. 

Personalized Learning

Identify your individual management style and the strategies you might use for working with staff of different skill sets, cultural backgrounds, individual needs, and interests, to operate a highly functional team. 

Practical Tools

 Learn the best practices for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and identify resources they may use to ensure they are in compliance and resolve questions when they arise. 

Future-Focused

Gain confidence in your role as a branch manager, and the methods you may employ to continue to develop within your current role and into potential future roles within the field. 

Course Facilitator: Michelle Hamiel

Empty space, drag to resize
Michelle strengthens the urban library role in local ecosystems and advances partnerships and programs resulting in systemic change. She is known and respected throughout public libraries for her leadership to diversify the profession, to serve marginalized communities and to increase racial and social equity. Prior to joining ULC, Michelle served as Prince George's County Memorial Library System's chief operating officer and led the mission, vision, innovation and operations of the library's 19 branches and the county detention center.

Course Facilitator: Kelsey Hughes

Empty space, drag to resize
Kelsey Hughes is a Program Manager with the Urban Libraries Council. Prior to joining ULC, Kelsey served as a branch manager for Howard County Library System, with previous roles in branch leadership and overseeing systemwide Adult & Teen Services for Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. She was a 2022 ALA Emerging Leader and member of the 2020 YALSA Volunteer Group of the Year. In addition to teen service, she specializes in creating equitable and inclusive cultures in libraries, empathetic leadership, and makerspaces in libraries. A proud two-time Maryland Terrapin, Kelsey received her MLIS from the University of Maryland in 2018.