Mentoring each other: Creating a community of practice for aspiring and current library managers

Abstract

Integrating formal management training into library school curriculum has been a topic of discussion for years, with varying progress. And in our experience, librarians are rarely given formal training on the job before becoming managers. We need to find ways to support new managers, helping them to acquire skills to handle the interpersonal, economic, and political challenges. Human Resources departments can provide valuable training in policy and procedures of the organization, but libraries have unique management challenges that may not exist elsewhere on campus. Librarians may be asked to manage faculty, staff, and student workers. They may need to arrange for coverage for service points, as well as work as an academic department. They work on projects with people from all parts of campus. Sometimes only other librarians understand the different dynamics of our situation. But when you’re a manager, it can be awkward to discuss specific management concerns with colleagues in your organization. Meeting with librarians from other institutions provides a comfortable level of anonymity.