Managing a library requires skills in working with personnel, the library board, patrons, and the key people in the community. Understanding these requirements will help supervisors, managers, and directors be more effective leaders. Crash Course in Library Supervision discusses these important relationships, and can be used for supervisory situations outside of the library world as well. The book focuses on using the Golden Rule as a management philosophy, and treating staff as fellow human beings.
This entry in the Crash Course series covers the basics for new public library administrators, with an emphasis on interpersonal relations. Chapters discuss settling in and getting acquainted; managing personnel; working with volunteer groups, library boards, customers, and community leaders; and planning for the long term. Each chapter includes a summary statement and notes, and a glossary and list of state agencies and associations complete the volume. Some of the commentary is very helpful, especially regarding staff discipline or termination. Though the focus is on small libraries, the book should prove valuable to all new library administrators.
Consultant Tucker and practitioner Mosley keep it practical as they lead new managers through the process of describing yourself and your new position to the staff, getting acquainted with officials and the media, and getting to know your public and patrons. They cover getting to know the staff (including managing by walking around), and closely examine difficult elements of managing personnel, including evaluating performance and maintaining policies. They list and describe such legal issues as affirmative action, the Americans with Disabilities Act, civil rights laws, occupational safety and whistleblower protection, and even take on hiring and firing. They give tips on working with advisory and governing board, show how to work closely with community members and groups, and describe how to manage the inevitable changes. This can also serve as a professional reference or refresher for those who need to bone up on legal issues.