The Accidental Library Manager

by Rachel Singer Gordon

Most librarians enter the field intending to focus on a particular specialty, but eventually need to take on certain supervisory or managerial responsibilities in order to move forward. In The Accidental Library Manager, author Rachel Singer Gordon provides support and background for new managers, aspiring managers, and those who find themselves in unexpected management roles. Gordon fills in the gaps left by brief and overly theoretical library school coursework, showing library managers how to be more effective in their positions and how to think about their work in terms of the goals of their larger institutions.

Included are insights from working library managers at different levels and in various types of libraries, addressing a wide range of management issues and situations. Not to be missed: comments from library staff about the qualities they appreciate-- and the styles and attitudes they find counterproductive-- in their own bosses.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Reference, Professional Development, Librarianship

362 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2004

Reviews

[Sheri]

Geared toward those just starting as managers, especially unintentionally, this very readable guide offers ideas on how to be a better and more effective library manager. The content covers making the transition to management and the duties and responsibilities of managing people, facilities and technology, changing environments, money, and relationships. Management theories and principles are also examined, as well as philosophical, legal, and ethical issues. Finally, each manager is tasked with considering their own personal and career goals in relation to their management role.

I really appreciated how readable this material was and the real-life situations and advice provided by accidental library managers. The advice may be seen as practical and unremarkable, yet all too often such commonplace behaviors and actions are easily overlooked or unintentionally disregarded in the day-to-day realities of the job. It’s all too easy to just do without taking a moment or two to consider objectives, style, and attitude.

Although written with library managers in mind, the strategies and suggestions could be applied to most industries and organizations, and by all levels of management from supervisor to director. So whether you’re currently a manager or forward-thinking to the next step on your career ladder, you’ll benefit from the straightforward and relevant ideas and advice presented here.

[Cindy]

"The most important hiring lesson to remember is that you should hire for attitude, and train for skills. Skills you can build. Attitude and character are harder to change. You need to have a sense of who is and who is not your firm's kind of person, and hire to fit the culture. You should look for people with enthusiasm, excitement, sparks, energy, spirit, a sharing style, personality, and compatibility. Pay the same attention when hiring an MLS librarian or part-time circulation clerk; each represents the library to your patrons and carries out tasks essential to the smooth running of your institution" (67).

[Errrrrrick]

Seems like good advice, it is written for managers of entire libraries, but most of the advice seems like it will generalize down to middle managers. Definitely worth a read for first time managers.

[Joe Caputo]

I enjoyed this much more than the actual textbook for class, but it’s still for school. Dry in places, but informative in an easy to follow way.

[Samantha]

Popsugar 2017 Reading Challenge: A book with career advice.

This is not a new book, nor were many of the ideas and pieces of advice new, to me at least. I've been working in libraries since 1999, and was very lucky to have had four wonderful mentors to start my career.

I definitely recommend this book to any library employee, even if s/he isn't considering a career in management, because it gives you great advice and insight into how a GOOD manager should be and even how to help the library as a whole.

[Justine]

Helpful guide with a lot of practical tips.

[Lisa]

Some common sense, some good tips, all good reminders!

[Bill Sleeman]

A very good overview of some familiar issues and topics.

[William Jeanes Memorial Library]

I enjoyed reading through this book. I learned a lot about preparing for becoming a manager and how many different tasks you need to prepare for in that managerial position. The author gave great information about working with a diverse staff and having empathy and understanding for each member of your staff. The author recommended many different library manager groups to join and various articles to read for continuous learning.
-Patron S.J.

[Morgan R]

I had to read this for a grad school class and was skeptical that it would have any pertinent information because of the publication date, however I felt this book has really held up over time, despite how much has changed in the library world. I guess management has stayed fairly steady!

[Aubrey]

I had to read this book for a Library Leadership class. This book, despite being published in the early 2000s, was surprisingly relevant. Great for accidental managers of all kinds. All of the links/websites are broken due to age.

[Raechel Guest]

Although intended for new managers, the book provides useful insights for people who have been in managerial positions for years without training or guidance.

[Brenda]

Had to read this for a class. It was okay. Probably would have appreciated more if I read it at the beginning of my career.

[sarah t🪞]

had to read for a class and def made me realize I don’t wanna be a library manager!

[Hillary]

finally bought my own copy, nothing earth shattering in terms of management ideas, but the straight-forward-from-the-trenches-experience has proved helpful in my career. i recommend to librarians or library staffers who want a head start in management.

[Betsie Bush]

Some interesting points of view, but nothing I couldn't have figured out with a little logical thinking.

[Nicole Baratta]

http://www.web2learning.net/archives/390

[Sarah]

Interesting, but mostly common sense. I definitely took away some things, but it would not be my library manager "bible."

[Jen]

Required reading for a management class that I took. Unlike many textbooks, this was straightforward and practical.