Running a large library system these days is about business as much as books. In Pittsburgh, where libraries face fiscal challenges from the city and the state, a head for numbers is essential.

Barbara K. Mistick has never been a librarian. But she's a heck of a businesswoman and manager, and that's probably more important. Dr. Mistick holds two degrees in business in addition to a doctorate in management. On a practical level, she founded a successful transportation company and ran the National Education Center for Women in Business at Seton Hill University.

Dr. Mistick will need those skills to face the challenges in her new job as director of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. In the last six years, the library has seen strong leadership from Herb Elish, who presided over the transfer and opening of a new Downtown branch, as well as remodeling projects in Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Brookline and Homewood. But 13 branch libraries still need to be renovated.

In the past, the Carnegie Library could ask Pittsburgh for money and usually come away smiling. But now the city has to hang on to every dollar it can and, besides, the library system is a major recipient of funds from the Allegheny County Regional Asset District, which divvies up the 1 percent sales tax.

In comments after her appointment was announced Tuesday, Dr. Mistick indicated that community fund-raising will be needed -- possibly to the tune of $62 million. According to Judge Frank Lucchino, a library trustee, that's the amount needed to cover operating costs, renovations and an endowment.

It's a task that will require a lifetime of real-world and intellectual business skills. Barbara Mistick has the right resume for the job. Good luck to her.