Tribal Library Procedures Manual. TRAILS (Training and Assistance for Indian Library Services), September 10, 1985-January 10, 1987

Abstract

This manual resulted from a 2-year project to improve, develop, and expand public library and information services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Designed to serve as a guide for tribal and community librarians who may lack professional training, the manual offers descriptions of library services, procedures, and management issues. An introduction discusses the role of the tribal library and additional roles as cultural, archival, and record management centers. Chapters 2-5 describe assessing library/information needs, placing the library in tribal organizational structures, resolutions to establish libraries, funding sources, and role of the library board. Discussion of specific services and procedures includes advice on site selection and floor plans, guidelines/procedures for selection, ordering, receiving, repairing and weeding library collections, simple instructions for cataloging, card production and catalog maintenance. Chapter 6 presents a review of public service functions/activities in reference, circulation, children's and adult services, and archival services. Chapter 7, on library administration, reviews planning, goal setting, policies, staff manuals, volunteers, budgeting, records/statistics, inventory, library hours, public relations, library cooperation, and automation. Appendices include a copy of the tribal needs assessment instrument, a sample selection policy, the public relations guide, and lists of 8 selection aids, and 14 library suppliers/jobbers. Also appended are a list of 208 basic titles (a starter list) for a tribal library collection, and a list of state library agencies. A bibliography lists 41 references. (LFL)