Library Management 101

November 1, 2019

It hasn't always been the case, but more library science degree programs are offering courses on library management and related topics (finance, marketing, etc.). As Hussey (Sch. of Library and Information Science, Simmons Coll.) and Velasquez (Sch. of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences, Univ. of South Australia) point out, most degree programs do not make these courses compulsory, so many new managers are looking for guidance in books like theirs. As in Barbara Allan's No-Nonsense Guide to Leadership, Management and Teamwork and G. Edward Evans and Camila Alire's Management Basics for Information Professionals, this title covers all of the touchstone topics related to management, hitting somewhere in the middle of those titles depth-wise. This textbook-like work includes extensive references and further reading suggestions as well as a case study or exercise in most chapters. This second edition has been refreshed--one of the authors has moved into the coeditor position, and there are several new chapters (mentoring, unions), and a few that have been dropped (future trends, an introduction to management) or combined. VERDICT While the field is crowded, this updated edition is a solid primer for new library managers. It will appeal to those looking for a broad understanding of the theory and best practices of library management.--Sara Holder, Univ. of Illinois Libs., Champaign

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