Quick-Start Guide for New Managers in Academic Libraries

Abstract

Being thrust into a leadership role with the responsibility of managing a department full of people is a radical shift for many library professionals. In our experience, academic libraries do not offer adequate support at this important time of need, and new managers are often learning on the job, with the possibility of formal training sometime in the future. This short, practical guide is written for that new manager, and covers concepts that the authors have found personally valuable. Topics covered include the role of the manager, change management, managing teams and individuals, human resources, and management styles. Each topic is supplemented with external readings or multimedia.