Library finance: not some other guy's problem

Citation

Walther, J.H. (2002), "Library finance: not some other guy's problem", The Bottom Line, Vol. 15 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/bl.2002.17015aaa.001

Library finance: not some other guy's problem

Library finance: not some other guy's problem

This year comes with much change, both in the journal and in my life. After two years in a reference and training role at the firm, I am now the manager of library services for the Washington, DC office of Bryan Cave. The change in role is a welcomed one, which excited me, due to my work with the writers, readers and members of the Editorial Board of The Bottom Line. In my former position in the library, while reference and training were the primary responsibilities, I see how clearly each member of a library staff is part of the team of financial stewards to the library budget. The choices made for library services, such as book acquisitions, journal selections and deselections, hiring, building and facilities management all have ramifications for all staff, not just the financial managers deploying decisions. All librarians and library staff have decisions to make throughout the day; some decisions are financial, some are not; but all somehow connect back to the financial strength of the library.

While I am no longer able to dodge the work of invoices, check requests, payables/receivables, capital expenditures and vendors, it is clear that everyone involved in the process of financial management is involved to further facilitate library user expectations. While management may seem theoretically as removed from patron service as anyone can be, in practice, it may be as close as it has ever been. Themes of these connections can be seen throughout this first issue of the new volume of the journal. From Dr Holt's analysis of re-organizing work in his "Economics" column, to the "Spotlight" on Wisconsin's Library of the Year, to our feature piece on fee-based services in libraries, each of these readings allows us to see how dynamic and multi-faceted library finance is today. As financial managers, our actions are more connected, and more crucial, to the organization and the patrons we serve than ever.

In Volume 15, I have made some changes in our columns. As Gwendolen Rochester Leighty highlights in her article, she will be spearheading a new column, "Fundraising", an essential topic within these pages. Eileen Fitzsimons launches a new approach to library financial news in her "Spotlight on financial issues". Kent Boese, after ample development with other members of the Editorial Board (Charles Harmon, Robert Newlen, Michael Tyree and Lisa Weikel), has created a new column entitled "If you want my 2¢ worth". In this column, he directed the development of a list of questions we may all be wishing we could ask of a library association leader, library educator, library administrator, front-line manager or policy analyst. This column will ask questions of exactly those proverbial movers and shakers in the library world. I trust you will find it an innovative and energizing way to examine crucial issues facing our profession today.

Best regards

James H. Walther Bryan Cave, LLP, Washington, DC