When the Resources Are Human: Managing Staff, Students, and Ourselves

Abstract

Managing people can be an unanticipated responsibility—suddenly there aren't only collections to care for, but also human beings. Learning what resources and training opportunities are available to hone managerial skills is a task that can't be delayed until a difficult personnel situation develops. Working with supervisors, those we supervise and human resource departments will lead to a better working environment for all members of the archives staff, from administrators to student workers. This article highlights some of the skills and techniques that a manager can utilize to nurture and sustain good working relationships in an archives.