Organizational Structure and Governance

Led by the Managing Librarian, Thomas W. Hayes, MLS, the Freedman Center is organized hierarchically from the Managing Librarian down to student employees. Within the Freedman center there are two units: multimedia and language learning. Both are headed by managers. There is also a Creative Director for New Media who falls under the Managing Librarian. Under the manager-level are any number of student employees who report directly to the manager. The Managing Librarian of the Freedman Center reports to Joanne Eustis, the Director of the Kelvin Smith Library. Internally, goals may be set by the KSL Director, the Deputy Director of KSL, or by the Freedman Center Advisory Committee. In addition, the Managing Librarian is ultimately responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Freedman Center, including overseeing academic, service, operational, and planning functions; interfacing with community members and other stakeholders; and managing the support services and administrative staff.

Additionally, there is a small decision-making body within the Freedman Center that consists of what can be termed “shared governance” across unit lines. This body can be given a charge by the Managing Librarian of the Freedman Center, by the KSL Director, the Deputy Director of the Kelvin Smith Library, or the Freedman Center Advisory Committee to fulfill specific goals and objectives as outlined in the charge. Additionally, this “shared governance” body provides representation in the decision-making process of the Freedman Center, not only across units, but vertically within each unit, allowing for vocal representation of those lower down the organizational chart. This body meets monthly, and strengthens leadership and communication functions by encouraging participatory decision-making and rapid communication back to each unit. This ensures that a broad consensus on difficult decisions and encourages buy-in among staff members to policies, procedures, and actions taken within the Freedman Center.