The Practical Library Manager

by Ruth C Carter, Bruce E Massis

Overview

Examine the nuts and bolts of successful management in today’s rapidly evolving libraries!

This book is an essential primer for new library managers and directors. In addition to providing an overview of the practical aspects of management, it is a vital reference tool for managing your library and its staff. The Practical Library Manager’s informative text and comprehensive bibliographies of print and electronic resources can guide you to solutions to the issues that every fledgling library manager must deal with upon appointment.

While there are many publications on library management, The Practical Library Manager is one of very few to focus on the practical issues of staffing and the importance of continuous staff training. Also, unlike other books on the subject, this book features a chapter that points you to relevant management texts originally written for the corporate world rather than the library profession.

The Practical Library Manager is the perfect single source to help you:

• understand the challenges of staffing your library and training your staff
• explore new technology’s impact on library workers and evaluate training programs to help them keep up
• ensure that your staff has the core competencies they’ll need in the current climate
• build a “virtual library”
• decide whether your library should join a consortium
• and much more!

In the words of the author: “Today, the most successful libraries in the country are those addressing the needs of both external and internal customers. However, it takes more than technology to change the working relationship between the institution and its customer. The guiding force for change must include a strong and respectful relationship between the library manager and staff. Much of what is written in this book can assist the fledgling manager in creating an environment of trust, teamwork, and respect.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780789017666
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/06/2002
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ruth C Carter, Bruce E Massis

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Chapter 1. The Challenge of Staffing
• Chapter 2. The Impact of Technology on Library Staff
• Chapter 3. Building Core Competencies for Library Staff
• Chapter 4. Obstructions and Opportunities of Planning and Implementing a Training Program for Library Staff
• Chapter 5. Creating and Implementing a Technology Training Program for Library Staff
• Chapter 6. Evaluating a Technology Training Program for Library Staff
• Chapter 7. Clicks and Bricks
• Chapter 8. The Challenge of the Virtual Library
• Chapter 9. The Library Consortium
• Chapter 10. Practical Library Development
• Chapter 11. A Dynamic Dozen: Management Classics for the Twenty-First Century Library Manager
• Appendix A. ALA-Accredited Library schools
• Appendix B. Surveys
• Notes
• Bibliography: A Practical Resource for the Library Manager
• Index
• Reference Notes Included

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Heidi L. Marshall, MLS, AHIP (Washington Hospital)
Description: Bruce E. Massis has provided a book intended to serve as a guide for the planning and implementation of a viable library. The unique element here is the provision of Web sites for the reader.
Purpose: This book is primarily designed for librarians who are new in the field. Basic library management skills are still needed whether it be in public, private, or academic settings. This book adequately meets those needs.
Audience: It is basic enough for student use, but the direction is for the graduate librarian who is already working in the field. The author is a respected library manager with two decades of experience, making him a credible authority for this particular book.
Features: The book focuses on practical library management. It covers staffing, teamwork, technology, training, and consortia. The best feature is the straightforward direction the author takes. At 95 pages in length, the book establishes key information quickly. Appendix A, which lists ALA accredited library schools throughout the country, is a particularly good feature. A possible shortcoming of the book is its abbreviated length. There is opportunity for more information to be included.
Assessment: The quality of this book is very good. It is a useful companion tool for the new library manager. The author has shared his two decades of experience in one book, which has its place on the shelves of a information manager's library management collection.

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