Theory, research and practice in library management 1: Flexibility

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of flexibility as it applies to libraries.

Specific cases are from the literature introduced where libraries have introduced aspects of flexibility. Lessons that can be learned from other sectors regarding flexibility are also presented.

There are three central themes for libraries to address when considering the various theories and research around flexibility: importance of management, human resources issues and the need to know the user. Flexibility has to be managed proactively as a concept in libraries.

The paper provides food for thought for library practitioners in the use of flexibility in an increasingly uncertain world.