Making Cents of the Budget: A Model for Empowering Library Leaders

Abstract

Since the beginning of my career, I have always been responsible for some aspect of the budget. Early on I managed several acquisitions funds and my responsibilities have grown as I have advanced into senior leadership roles. However, neither while earning my masters of library science nor once in the field has anyone explained how to manage a budget. Instead, I have had to put these puzzle pieces together myself. I continue to be surprised by the lack of transparency around funds and budgets. Though a certain amount of transparency has come about as I have moved into more senior roles, I have found that I must be the one to push for such transparency and communication about the budget. To help me do this work better, I have created a toolkit that has given me the confidence to have what can be difficult conversations with budget officers and colleagues as I try to suss out my budget context and develop a sustainable strategy in support of my unit and its needs.