GLC Library Program Administration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When developing a library's strategic plan, which step should occur FIRST?
- Draft budget projections
- Conduct an environmental scan (Correct answer)
- Write the mission statement
- Identify performance metrics
Correct answer: Conduct an environmental scan
An environmental scan (SWOT analysis, community needs assessment) must precede all other planning steps so the strategy is grounded in reality.
Question 2: A Georgia public library wishes to reallocate funds from one budget line to another mid-year. What is generally required?
- No action needed if amounts are equal
- Board approval and possible governing authority notification (Correct answer)
- Only the director's written memo
- PINES system update
Correct answer: Board approval and possible governing authority notification
Mid-year budget transfers typically require board approval and may require notification to the county or municipal governing authority per Georgia fiscal policies.
Question 3: Which federal legislation most directly governs how libraries receiving E-rate funding must filter internet content?
- FERPA
- CIPA (Correct answer)
- USA PATRIOT Act
- COPPA
Correct answer: CIPA
The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires libraries receiving E-rate or LSTA funds to install internet filters on all public computers.
Question 4: A library director wants to evaluate program effectiveness. Which measurement best indicates outcome rather than output?
- Number of story-time sessions held
- Total attendance at programs
- Percentage of children who demonstrate improved pre-literacy skills (Correct answer)
- Square footage of program space used
Correct answer: Percentage of children who demonstrate improved pre-literacy skills
Outcomes measure changes in knowledge, skills, or behavior in participants, unlike outputs which merely count activities or attendance.
Question 5: Under Georgia law, library board members of a county public library are typically appointed by whom?
- The state librarian
- The library director
- The county board of commissioners (Correct answer)
- A vote of library cardholders
Correct answer: The county board of commissioners
Georgia county public library board members are generally appointed by the county board of commissioners, which holds governing authority.
Question 6: A library is applying for an LSTA grant through the Georgia Public Library Service. Which entity administers LSTA funds at the state level?
- Institute of Museum and Library Services directly
- Georgia Department of Education
- Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) (Correct answer)
- American Library Association
Correct answer: Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS)
IMLS awards LSTA Grants to States funds to the designated State Library Agency, which in Georgia is the Georgia Public Library Service.
Question 7: Which scheduling approach best supports staff morale and equitable workload in a small branch library?
- Always assign the same desks to the same staff
- Rotate duties and desk shifts so all staff share peak and off-peak hours (Correct answer)
- Let senior staff choose shifts first each quarter
- Schedule based solely on patron traffic data without staff input
Correct answer: Rotate duties and desk shifts so all staff share peak and off-peak hours
Rotating duties and shifts distributes both demanding and quieter periods fairly while cross-training staff in multiple functions.
GLC Library Program Administration 2
When developing a library's strategic plan, which step should occur FIRST?