The Accidental Library Manager

Citation

Cleyle, S. (2006), "The Accidental Library Manager", The Electronic Library, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 423-423. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470610671295

Whether it is by choice or by accident, many librarians find themselves in library management positions at some point or other throughout their career. Some are prepared and some are not. This book is a must have for all library managers, whether at the beginning of their managerial career or at the end. It is full of solid, practical advice and lays out in many instances “game plans” for managers to follow. Although much of the information will not be new, it is pleasing to see it all in one place and covering such a wide range of topics.

The author, the prolific Rachel Singer Gordon, combined her sensible advice with quotes from 244 respondents to two online surveys – one for library managers and one for library staff. She has peppered their comments throughout the book in appropriate places. They are entertaining and in many instances insightful. Adding quotes from the front lines adds great value to the book's contents and message..

The Accidental Library Manager is structured so it can be read in sections and used as a reference tool, or as a step‐by‐step manual. There are useful background sections dealing with topics such as levels of management, theories of management, communication, personnel, change management and managing money. All chapters end with notes and recommended readings. There is also an index, appendices of the surveys conducted and a list of all websites cited listed by chapter. The author also provides access to a website that links to of many of the web resources cited in her book. It serves as a useful companion to the book.

The book is well written and easily read. It is a useful “reminder” and a great “primer”, making it a must‐read for current and future managers.