Program Type:
Online Course- Registration is available for this event.
- Registration is no longer available for this event.
Program Description
Event Details
*Please note that enrollment in learning events for FY 25-26 is contingent on available funding.
*Due to limited funding all library workers are limited to 2 course enrollments through CALL annually.
Six-week Course | October 6 - November 16, 2025
In today’s library environment, the ability to manage your library’s changing finances is essential. In this six-week eCourse, library finance expert Sean Gaffney leads you through both the theory and the best practices of strategic financial resource management.
Participants will examine the connection between the theory and the best practices of strategic financial resource management. Topics include revenue models, types of budgets, internal controls, resource allocation, financial planning, and acquiring outside resources. This course will also pay special attention to updating budgets during times of declining revenue and advocacy for increased community support during times of uncertainty.
This course will be helpful for experienced and new library managers, supervisors, directors, and other leaders who want to understand better how to develop and manage budgets, particularly in times of uncertainty. No previous experience is required.
There are six modules. Each module includes both resources (lectures, readings, and videos) and a forum discussion question. Our primary texts are Financial Management in Academic Libraries: Data-Driven Planning and Budgeting by Robert E. Dugan and Peter Hernon; Small Public Library Management by Jane Pearlmutter and Paul Nelson; and Library Management 101: A Practical Guide, Second Edition by Lisa K. Hussey and Diane L. Velasquez. All materials are provided within the course.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand basic accounting and budgeting conventions,
- Evaluate financial resources,
- Use a range of models and approaches to solve financial resources problems such as developing a budget, revising a budget, and gaining budget approval,
- Understand the impact of declining resources on library budgets and services, and
- Identify viable alternative solutions and actions and recognize the consequence of their implementation
Presenter:
Sean Gaffney has taught at the School of Information at San Jose State University since 2008. His area of expertise is library management and administration. Sean teaches Library Financial Management, Project Management, Library Professions, and Using Social Media for Competitive and Company Research courses. Sean holds an MLIS from Kent State University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. He is a third-year Ph.D. student studying Organizational Change at Western Michigan University. Sean is also a Certified Public Accountant (Illinois) and a Certified Management Accountant. He lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.
CALL Training Partner for this Event: American Library Association
Track: Leadership for All, budget
Additional Information
Enrollment Statement
I understand that a space will be reserved for me in this learning opportunity at a cost to CALL, and if I am unable to attend this learning opportunity, I will cancel my enrollment as soon as possible and before the start date.
Single Enrollment Disclaimer
I understand that I can register for only one course at a time (no concurrent courses). If I do not attend this course, I understand that I may forfeit the opportunity to enroll in additional CALL courses during this fiscal year.