Budgeting and Finance for Public Libraries

Money isn’t generally the first topic that comes to mind when thinking about libraries, however it is a critical resource that touches every aspect of the organization. Whether you are an aspiring manager or a library director, it is important that your organization’s finances are aligned with your service goals and priorities. This course, part of the Public Library Management Professional Certificate program, will help you understand how to build a budget, read financial reports, and plan for the long-term sustainability of your library.

• Budgeting and financial concepts and terms as they apply to public libraries
• How to analyze financial reports
• The decision making and strategies that go into creating a budget
• Best practices in establishing financial controls and procedures
• How today’s financial decisions can impact future sustainability of your organization
• How to develop a financial forecast

• Basic familiarity with and access to a spreadsheet application (Excel or equivalent)