After having had the pleasure of reviewing Rachel Singer Gordon's 2003 work The accidental systems librarian, the arrival of The accidental library manager is very welcome. Not only are these practical handbooks that address the very real needs of information professionals in the workplace, they also come with a web site address that supports the text with a periodically updated directory of relevant sites.
The aim of this book is to provide a managerial aid for those who become library managers “by accident”, that is without a planned progression up the career ladder. The basic premise is that most librarians enter the sector with the idea of specialising in a particular field, such as bibliographical services, reference work, youth services, etc. It is only once the professional is in situ that the need for managerial skills becomes rapidly apparent.
Gordon suggests that information professionals enter accidental management in a number of ways: they may have management responsibilities thrust upon them by the institution they work for; they may end up in a one person library as a solo worker; they could enter the library management position from another field with no previous library or management experience; they may gradually take on responsibilities until formally moved into a management position; they could temporarily fill a management role when a supervisor is absent or retires; or could replace permanently a departing manger; or one of a many other reasons. It is argued that library and information studies' schools do little to prepare employees for the harsh realities of the workplace. But, Gordon also suggests, the general library skills of information workers are a great base for anyone facing a management role.
Throughout the book there are quotes from library managers, and those who work for them, which are reassuring, empowering and often amusing. The obvious lesson to be drawn from all this is that you are not the first person to go through these experiences!
Gordon opens the book with a chapter about becoming a library manager. She stresses that the skills all information professionals have are vital, especially if you are conscious of them, such as collecting and analysing information, networking, etc. However, she candidly admits that some widely held notions such as the customer always being right, the desire to avoid conflict and the emphasis on the philosophical over the practical, may have to be tempered! The author proceeds to give wise and useful advice on making the transition to management, including the changing or new relationship with other staff. The chapter also considers the role of women in management, non‐librarians as library managers and the importance of personal and personnel skills. The whole tone of the writing is one of realism, but optimistic and positive, often alarmingly so in the manner of the 1980s business gurus saying you can do anything you want if you just put your mind to it!
A following chapter considers the different levels of management positions, from directors through to department heads, supervisors, project managers and one person or solo managers. Each role has its different demands and expectations, so this is a valuable exercise in distinguishing between the different positions.
The barbed issue of managing people is dealt with in the next three chapters. Personnel issues are usually the number one headache for managers in all sectors. The quotes from managers in this chapter are hilarious – if you like gallows humour! Hiring, interviewing, co‐ordinating workloads, reviewing or evaluating work, promoting and reprimanding (… and firing!) are all sensitively addressed. This part of the book also discusses the vital area of professional development, including training and mentoring. A second chapter on the subject looks more closely at diversity issues, dealing with the generation gap, managing different levels of skilled employees from professionals to volunteers, and also managing customers. The third chapter focuses on the importance of communication and leadership. Gordon again is upbeat, “Your entire career as a librarian has helped you develop communication and leadership skills”.
I think the reason that I enjoy this book so much is that it addresses the reader directly with “You should … ”rather than “It is best to … ”. Gordon had 343 respondents to a staff survey about managers, showing her willingness to get out and ask the hard questions rather than imposing a lot of theoretical management philosophy. She realises that frontline staff have an unparalleled perspective in what works and what fails in the management of their institution. Once again, the quotes about mangers from workers are entertaining to say the least, and rather scary at times!
From people, Gordon moves on to consider managing facilities and technology. This can cover such mundane things as maintenance of buildings and equipment, but the big areas are systems management and collections management.
A more reflective chapter addresses managing change, something many people are uncomfortable with. A library manager needs to accept change as a constant. The chapter practically considers overcoming resistance to change, encouraging innovation, techno‐stress and strategic planning.
The delights of managing money are dealt with in a separate section. Gordon acknowledges that there is a mystique around accounting and budgeting, but argues that much of this is common sense and a willingness to look at numbers in the context of what they mean for the institution. The chapter looks at the specifics of accounting and budgeting, getting more for less, fundraising, grants, donations, partnerships, charging for services, advocacy and performance measurements. Gordon concludes “never let numbers or statistics intimidate you; just look at them in terms of what you and your library already do and where you want to go from here”.
Importantly, Gordon stops to consider where the library manager's role fits into the wider community or institution. All jobs involve a complex web of relationships both inside and outside the institution. These relationships start with your own manger, but also include peers, the wider community, and the institution itself including boards, unions and politics. This chapter also looks at marketing, PR and advocacy.
Gordon also manages to stand back from the harsh practicalities of the workplace to consider and explain many of the theories of management to those who may never have assimilated formal management theories, principles and concepts that are taught in management programmes. She briefly covers everything from Ranganathan's Laws to Total Quality Management, and also looks at many of the classic management books. However, to avoid being overawed by this bewildering array of theories, Gordon suggests that the research skills of information professionals will enable them to cherry‐pick what is relevant and what is practical for their own situation.
Following this digression into academia, the book then ponders the philosophical, legal and ethical issues involved in library management, such as privacy, intellectual freedom, copyright, labour laws, etc. A final chapter urges the read to constantly review their role and personal goals.
Each chapter has notes and recommended reading. There is a thorough index and appendices featuring library management surveys and an interesting selection of websites, including the book's own gateway site.
Gordon's enthusiasm for her subject and optimism about even the most daunting situations is infectious and this is certainly a feel‐good and empowering work. New library managers are encouraged to “take heart” from the fact that most accidental library managers successfully grow into their positions. Although this is an American book, the lessons and coverage are certainly transferable to other countries. One particularly interesting and strong conclusion is that library schools do little to prepare the information professional for the practical issues of management. However, common sense and empathy for others go a long way to dealing with many situations. The quotes from those working in the information profession, Gordon's genuine joie de vivre, well considered and wise advice, and entertaining writing make this an unqualified gem of a book. It is of use to those training to be information professionals and those already in the workforce at all levels … because you never know when you will end up as an accidental library manager.
