Bureau of Library Development

The Bureau of Library Development supports the establishment, expansion, and improvement of public library service in Florida within the context of the larger library community by working proactively with library staff, governing officials, trustees, and community supporters.

The Bureau provides leadership, grant funding, and technical assistance; promotes advocacy and cooperation among all types of libraries; supports continuing education and staff development activities; and plans and implements a dynamic program of statewide development.

Library Liaisons

Each of Florida's 67 counties and designated municipalities are assigned a consultant to serve as a liaison. As a liaison, the consultant provides information and support on library development issues, including administration, legal and governance issues, programs, long-range planning, and resource sharing and data gathering.

• Liaison and Statewide Program Contacts

Statewide Programs

Library Development staff provide program development and statewide leadership in specialty areas including:

• E-Rate and Technology
• Friends, Foundations and Boards
• Grants
• Leadership and Recruitment
• Planning, Evaluation and Statistics
• Youth Services

Grants

The Bureau of Library Development administers State and Federal grant programs to support the improvement of library services. Staff assist libraries in developing and designing projects and programs in addition to assisting with development of grant applications. State grant programs include:

• Community Libraries in Caring
• State Aid
• Public Library Construction
• Multitype Library Cooperative

Federal funds are received through the Library Services and Technology Act.

• Grant Programs Information and Forms

Other Services

• Interpretations of library-related state and federal law, rule and policies - Contact your Liaison
• Custom data reports for public libraries and statistical comparisons of library services; collecting and publishing directory and statistical information related to Florida's libraries; and assistance with using data - State Library Data Service
• Customized and standardized local, regional and statewide training - Continuing Education, Workshops and Training
• Highlighting best practices related to library trends and services, personnel, and basic library operations - Contact your Liaison
• Facilitation of meetings and group discussions, planning sessions, cooperative agreements, and conflict resolution - Library Planning
• Assistance with long range and strategic planning - Library Planning
• Project evaluation assistance using outcome-based evaluation - Library Services Evaluation Resources
• Assistance with recruitment for professional positions - Florida Library Jobs
• Assistance developing surveys and questionnaires - Library Services Evaluation Resources

For more information, contact Amy Johnson (amy.johnson@dos.myflorida.com) at 850.245.6622.