Managing Library Employees

Abstract

The 161st title in the popular Neal-Schuman How-To-Do-It Manuals series, Managing Library Employees by Stanley, guides readers through the human resources (HR) world as it applies to libraries. Librarians new to HR will want to read it cover to cover; seasoned professionals will want to add it to the top of their desktop ready reference stack. The manual begins with an introduction to the profession and how it relates to libraries. Basic HR principles are explained, as are various categories of libraries and their unique HR needs. It then moves into an in-depth discussion of laws and contains sections on discrimination, title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), worker's compensation, and more. Over the next six chapters, Stanley skillfully guides library HR professionals through the full range of the employee cycle, including: recruitment, interviewing, selection, and hiring processes for new librarians training, retention, and professional development compensation and benefits evaluation of employees identification and handling of problem and marginal employees conflict management and resolution progressive discipline, firing of employees, and reduction in workforce (RIF) healthy communication in the workplace Stanley proceeds to address several additional roles that the HR professional will tackle in a library: fostering effective communication, implementing the use of technology in the HR system, and managing change in the organization, from the expected changes an organization will face over a period of time to pressing issues such as the rapid response to technology in libraries and the ways this issue changes job descriptions and skills sought. Managing Library Employees is uniquely suited to the Journal of the Medical Library Association audience, as it addresses HR issues not in the generic workplace, but in the library. The discussion of hiring practices weighs the benefits of student and volunteer workers, which can figure prominently into library work forces. The section on training, retention, and professional development touches on mentoring programs, professional development opportunities for degreed librarians and professional staff alike, and ways to develop leadership skills directly related to the work of a library. The chapter on compensation and benefits details a host of things to consider, plus library-specific considerations such as a classification scheme for librarians and advocacy for librarians' compensation in a larger institution. Chapter seven might prove to be one of the most bookmarked sections of the manual for librarians who tend to serve as referees on the job. This section lends insight into the distinction between marginal and problem employees and how to address both categories. Topics covered include identification of such employees, procedures for deciding on a course of action, handling of interpersonal conflicts, absenteeism versus presenteeism, and bullying and violence in the workplace. Stanley provides an in-depth discussion of managing and resolving conflict, using progressive discipline, working with union employees, coping with sexual harassment, knowing fire-able first offenses, dealing with RIF, and dismissing employees. Many librarians will find the figures immensely helpful: sample job descriptions, evaluation forms, library mission and values statements, and many more. For librarians who find themselves saddled with new HR duties, having visual examples of important forms and documents will save a lot of time and research. For librarians who want to learn more about a particular issue, Stanley provides an exhaustive bibliography for further research. The information in Managing Library Employees is presented succinctly, as befits a true manual. Stanley concisely covers a large volume of important information in a manner that is easy to read and absorb. The manual is organized logically and is easy to navigate given its table of contents, list of figures, and comprehensive index. Managing Library Employees is recommended for libraries of all types and all sizes, whether HR is handled in-house or by an institution-wide department.