Job sharing in academic libraries at the senior management level: experiences of job sharing at deputy and director level

Describes the practical experiences of job sharing at deputy and director level in an academic library. Details of applying as a job share are given, how the job is organised, strategic responsibilities and managing relationships within the academic context. The importance of good communication is stressed and illustrated with examples of good practice. Barriers to job sharing are discussed, together with the disadvantages and advantages. The authors’ positive experience of job sharing should encourage employees and employers to explore more flexible ways of working, particularly in view of the shortage of suitable candidates at senior manager level in libraries.