Practical Tips for Successful Library Management

by Leo Appleton

Overview

Today's library and information service managers need to be multi-skilled practitioners, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of multiple professional disciplines while working in operational and strategic managerial and leadership capacities. Managers need support in order to effectively work in such a diversity of professional environments and roles and this book draws on an international field and all types of library sector to support library managers in their management and leadership vocations.

Practical Tips for Successful Library Management takes management theory and practice and places it within a library and information context so that readers can see how the practical tips provided can be applied in their own roles. You will find flexible tips and implementation advice on topics including:

• Leadership and self-awareness;
• Organisational skills, time management and prioritising;
• Managing online and customer services;
• Hiring, developing and retaining staff;
• Team building and motivating staff;
• Wellbeing for staff and managing conflict;
• Strategic planning and budget management;
• Manging print and digital resources;
• Developing a collections development strategy;
• Managing acquisitions processes.

Part of the popular Practical Tips for Library and Information Professionals series, this essential book offers innovative tips and tried-and-tested best practice to enable library and information managers to be excellent and effective managers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783305575
Publisher:	Facet Publishing
Publication date:	02/15/2026
Series:	PTLIP Practical Tips for Library and Information Professionals
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224

About the Author

Leo Appleton is a Senior University Teacher in the Information School at the University of Sheffield. He was previously Director of Library Services at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is current chair of CILIP’s Library and Information Research Group (LIRG) and is the editor-in-chief of the New Review of Academic Librarianship.

Natasha Howard is Head of Knowledge & Library Services at NELFT NHS Trust. She has over 20 years of experience in the library and information sector and was joint winner of the CILIP K&IM and UKeIG Information Manager of the Year Award 2020.

Rowan Williamson is the Associate Director for Library Services at the University of the Arts London. He is current chair of CILIP’s Digital Technology Group (DTG).

Leo Appleton is the Director of Library Services at Goldsmiths, University of London . He has worked in a number of other universities and FE colleges where he has managed a multitude of services including libraries, IT Support, student administration and e-learning development. Leo editor of the CILIP MmIT Journal and is associate editor of both the New Review of Academic Librarianship and of the UKSG publication eNews.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Leadership and self-awareness
2. Organisational awareness
3. Project management
4. Strategic and business planning
5. Staying in touch with sector developments and innovations
6. Time management
7. Budget and people management
8. Team working
9. Quality assurance
10. Liaison and communication
11. Evaluation and responsiveness
12. Career planning and work-life balance

Conclusion