Director
Infrastructure Management for Public Libraries
What You'll Learn
- How to discuss, contract, and manage services from outside providers
- How to make decisions about technology policies, eRATE for Internet services, etc.
- How to set up annual and long-term maintenance budgets and schedules
- How to post a maintenance job for bid
6 Modules
12 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
About Infrastructure Management for Public Libraries
In this course, part of the Public Library Management Professional Certificate program, we’ll explore the ongoing infrastructure support that library leaders must facilitate, including:
- maintenance
- insurance
- contract services
- patron privacy
- technology
- budgets
- policies
You’ll learn how these decisions are made to ensure long-term sustainability.
Skills You'll Gain
- Budgeting
- Infrastructure Management
- Library Management
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Infrastructure Management for Public Libraries, part of the Public Library Management course series. This course introduces facilities, maintenance, and infrastructure practices that shape how public libraries function and serve their communities. You will learn how design, technology, policies, budgets, and contract services support safe, clean, and effective public spaces, building practical skills for managing contractors, planning maintenance, and aligning infrastructure decisions with organizational goals.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction
- Navigating the edX Platform
- Syllabus
- Introduction
- Discussion Forum #1: Introduce Yourself (1 Question)
- Help Us Learn More About You!
Module 2: Maintenance
- Maintaining Public Spaces
- Projecting Costs and Preparing Budgets
- Quiz #1 (5 Questions)
- Assignment #1 (15 Questions)
- Discussion Forum #2: Share a Challenge (1 Question)
- Additional Resources
Module 3: Comfort
- Introduction to Comfort
- Design Deficits in Public Spaces
- Quiz #2 (5 Questions)
- Discussion Forum #3: Design Deficits (1 Question)
Module 4: Safety
- All Are Welcome Here
- Computing Use in Public Spaces
- Quiz #3 (5 Questions)
- Discussion Forum #4: Barriers to Safety (1 Question)
- Additional Resources
Module 5: We Can’t Have Everything
- When a Service Option is Not Feasible
- Competing Objectives
- Quiz #4 (5 Questions)
- Discussion Forum #5: Competing Objectives (1 Question)
- Additional Resources
Module 6: Conclusion: Putting it All Together
- Conclusion: Putting it All Together
- Assignment #2 (1 Question)
- Course Feedback
Grading Policy
Course materials are self-paced and remain open throughout the course. Learners must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass. Quizzes (including Assignment #1; 5 quizzes total) total 60% of the course grade, Assignment 2 (Peer Assessment) is worth 25%, and discussion participation is worth 15% of the final grade.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
Access to a public library community
