People matters

Abstract

Purpose

Using a six‐step process, the purpose of this paper is to present some guidelines for preparing job descriptions for a library organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the personal expertise of the author, who has been a library consultant to all types of libraries for over 15 years.

Findings

This paper suggests that before a job description can be written, the organization must first understand what kinds of jobs are necessary, then do a job analysis, and then go through a process that involves the employees who are to carry out the responsibilities of the particular job to help design the job and write the job description.

Originality/value

This paper helps the library director and the library department manager more intelligently approach the design of a job and more precisely document the scope of that job within the library organization.

Citation

Kieserman, B. (2008), "People matters", The Bottom Line, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 30-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880450810875765