Philanthropy News Digest interviewed Juan C. Brito, the Foundation Center's Director of Human Resources, after he read this new book. Here is a transcript of the conversation:

Philanthropy News Digest: It sometimes seems that federal and state laws and regulations govern much of what you do on a regular basis. To what extent is that true?

Brito: The field is divided into components, and this is true of some components. Laws govern some of the policies we have in place, while standards are more likely to affect areas such as compensation. With that said, benefits may be dictated by law and even some aspects of compensation are, too. This book tries to cover it all.

PND: How do human resources professionals typically get up-to-date information: from books, from Web sites, from professional meetings, or other sources? It seems like things change quickly in your field as new court decisions are made.

Brito: We use a number of sources, and they include industry-wide newsletters, magazines, and membership in professional organizations. I belong to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which provides a wealth of information through seminars and its excellent Web site. It is a national organization with local chapters. I also am active, as president, with PANO: Personnel Association of Nonprofit Organizations. PANO is a network of human resources professionals who work within the not-for-profit community in the New York metropolitan area. At this stage of my career, books are not the primary vehicle that I use for keeping informed.

PND: So who would find Human Resources Policies and Procedures for Nonprofit Organizations most useful?

Brito: This is a good book for entry-level people in the field, and for smaller nonprofits that don't have a human resources person yet. There is a wealth of information in this book, and it covers everything. I was very impressed. Information is presented in a straightforward manner and Barbeito doesn't use legalese. It gives you the rationale behind the policies and procedures, and best of all, gives samples, so that if you're starting a department you can readily implement some of these. Smaller nonprofits may not be aware or have a good understanding of what the law requires, and what they're responsible for. Just looking through the book can be useful for incorporating policy. It provides great exhibits, links to Web sites for more information —— primarily government Web sites where you can find out how to get started.

PND: Would this book be appropriate as a textbook in a college class?

Brito: Absolutely, for classes in nonprofit management or human resources.

PND: Is it accurate? Is it timely? Can you give an example of a fairly recent change in HR procedures or laws that are reflected in the book?

Brito: It's both timely and accurate. The most recent change in the law is HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which occurred in the last 2-3 years and it's well covered in the book. This law relates to portability of medical coverage from one employer to another.

PND: The major topics covered by the book are: establishing policies, nondiscrimination issues, recruitment, hiring, termination, compensation, supervision, work conditions, administration, volunteer management, and client policies. Did you find any specific sections to be especially useful?

Brito: The nondiscrimination chapter is very good and people really do need to understand this law, as it affects both recruitment and promotion. I also found the chapter on client policies very interesting and it made sense. Supervision is also a very good section. The examples of the policies given in the book can be easily tailored to your organization and modified quite handily. The table of contents and the index provide ready access to the information you need.

PND: Can you tell us anything else about this book?

Brito: I was reading the book on my way to work on the subway when another passenger looked over my shoulder and asked about it; she was curious because her small organization doesn't have a person dedicated to human resources, and she was very delighted that this book might provide the kind of information she needed. She represented exactly the audience for this book! I'm delighted that I was able to give her the title and invite her to our library.

PND: Thank you, Juan, for sharing your opinion of this book with us.

For citations to additional materials on this topic refer to the Literature of the Nonprofit Sector Online, using the subject headings heading "Nonprofit organizations-personnel management."