Management Basics for Information Professionals. 2nd Edition

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Management Basics for Information Professionals is written by two well-qualified librarians. Edward G. Evans has two degrees in anthropology, a master's of library science, and a doctorate. He has taught courses in management at library schools. Patricia Layzell Ward holds a master's and a doctorate and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. This second edition is a completely revised and expanded edition and is a comprehensive introduction to library management. It is organized into four parts: (1) “Background”; (2) “Management, Knowledge, and Skills”, (3) “Managing Resources”; and (4) “Career Development and Your Future.” This edition has two new chapters, “Managing Diversity” and “Career Development.” A website has been made available at www.neal-schuman.com/managementbasics.html for updates and supplemental materials. Having access to this website makes it very easy for readers to keep current on recent library management literature. This text is primarily written for library science students but is also a great source of information for librarians wanting to learn about library management. A user-friendly writing style helps readers easily understand the importance of strong management skills and abilities. To be a successful manager, one must focus on the user/patron. The basic philosophy is that library management needs to be people centered. To be a good manager, one must be prepared for and expect to manage change. Evans and Ward offer a set of principles founded on years of relevant management experience demonstrated in a large variety of information settings. These include archives, information brokers, libraries, and records management, to name a few. Using these settings, the authors show many successful leadership techniques as effective ways to plan, delegate, make decisions, communicate, market, motivate, and lead a team. There are also sections dealing with managing human and financial resources, technology, and facilities. Included in the text are timely issues such as women in management and diversity. To illustrate these principles a variety of methods are used in the book, which include brief text boxes: “For Further Thought,” “Tips,” “Check This Out,” “Key Points to Remember,” and “Launching Pad.” As this is a student tool, these text boxes help bring the ideas together for each chapter. References are included at the end of each chapter for further reading. There are two indexes, name and subject, which are very helpful and accurate. This resource is well organized with a comprehensive table of contents so the reader can easily access sections of interest. Many tables and charts give solid examples of the topics being discussed. Used primarily as a student text, this is a very well organized and practical guide for teaching information professionals the basics of library management. This comprehensive tool provides timely and cutting edge content to assist the new library manager. It is invaluable to the beginning library manager starting out in the management field. Evans and Ward provide an easy-to-read, reliable manual for public, academic, or special librarians working in today's fast paced arena of information. This book is strongly recommended for all librarians contemplating a move into the field of library management.