Toughest job in the library
ISSN: 0143-5124
Article publication date: 5 November 2020
Issue publication date: 16 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article attempts to portray the unique and complex role of library middle managers. This important and influential position can be a proving ground for new and old managers as libraries continue to evolve, adjust policies, introduce new services and meet the needs of their users. Circulation managers as influential middle managers are realistically depicted as busy, overwhelmed and isolated, but welcome the opportunity to provide leadership and enhance their professional development.
Design/methodology/approach
This viewpoint is solely based on the author's varied experiences and personal reflections as a circulation department head providing leadership alongside colleagues in a busy academic library.
Findings
Department heads as managers of circulation departments are pivotal positions in every library. Circulation heads performing as middle managers are responsible for a full range of administrative, managerial and organizational services. Circulation heads are well positioned as change agents simultaneously directing frontline staff members, policies and services while providing valuable insight to library administration. Yet, circulation managers experiencing constantly evolving responsibilities, are too often found to be caught in the middle negotiating inconsistencies. Successful circulation managers require an eclectic mix of essential skills initiating and deploying change, defining success, dealing with people, actively participating in professional development and providing leadership.
Research limitations/implications
The study and research of library middle managers in public and academic libraries is practically nonexistent. As libraries increasingly create, adjust and reinvent library services, spaces and visions due to increasing digitization, in response to emerging online environments and new service models – middle managers and circulation librarians are excellent and proven pivots to negotiate and successfully implement this change.
Practical implications
As a crafted article written by a former head of a circulation department every staff member, student and librarian serving in access/borrowing/circulation departments should consult this article as required reading.
Social implications
The voices of library middle managers are too often muted, not valued and rarely celebrated. This viewpoint article written in a conversational voice depicts circulation librarians as middle managers that bring value to all libraries and should be heard.
Originality/value
This paper depicts the opportunities and challenges faced by, as well as the skills and competencies required by librarians serving as circulation departments heads.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This article is a homage to librarians that thrive as middle managers. The author thanks colleagues that have helped him through good and difficult times, and those that continue to demonstrate excellence within their communities. A special shout out to current and former circulation librarians including Brock University Libraries' Monica Rettig, University of Waterloo's Alex McCulloch, University of Windsor's Karen Pillon and others for their service, example and friendship. Thanks to John Szabo of the Los Angeles Public Library for his contribution, encouragement and insight. A big thanks to Dr Barry Keith Grant, Emeritus Professor of Film Studies, FRSC, for his assistance with this manuscript. Thanks to Steve O’Connor, editor of Library Management, supporting family, colleagues, and friends that kept me fed, upbeat, and loved during a challenging career.
Citation
Gordon, I.D. (2021), "Toughest job in the library", Library Management, Vol. 42 No. 1/2, pp. 46-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-04-2020-0072
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited