Discusses corrective action and employee discipline in library management, covering: (1) factors affecting the library manager's right to discipline; (2) employee orientation and training; (3) employee performance measurement; (4) corrective strategies; (5) termination as an option; (6) the importance of fairness; and (7) positive results of…

Explains the history of the staffing pressures felt by the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City, and describes steps taken to reallocate personnel, the method of data-gathering and analysis, and the effects of the changes on the system. (JVP)

NextGens making the jump into management, or those lucky (or foolhardy!) enough to do so right out of school, often find that the challenge of managing established staff takes some of the momentum out of the ability to effect change. Some older librarians find it hard enough to believe that NextGens are their peers; they simply shut down when…

Flextime was an experiment at the Claremont College libraries to bridge the widening gap between employees' work and their lives. Other benefits include more efficient use of equipment, less parking congestion, and higher employee productivity. The guidelines for flextime are included. (JAB)

Suggests guidelines for library administrators in dealing with employee substance abuse and related problems. Early warning signs are listed, general organizational approaches (i.e., the write-off approach vs the treatment approach) are discussed and actions that should be taken are described as well as actions that should be avoided. (7…

Discusses the role of the library administrator as library manager and the utility of various currently available management systems and techniques, such as PPBS and MBO. (JVP)

Discussion of the automation of personnel administration in libraries covers (1) new developments in human resource management systems; (2) system requirements; (3) software evaluation; (4) vendor evaluation; (5) selection of a system; (6) training and support; and (7) benefits. (MES)

This essay discusses use of an employment contract to serve and protect the interests of both a library director and the library board of trustees. Current problems, advantages of a contract to the board, board solidarity, advantages to the director, the workings of contracts, legal necessities, and limiting tenure are highlighted. (EJS)

Guidelines for managing library consulting engagements effectively cover the decision to use a consultant, definition of the problem area, finding the consultant, interviewing and evaluating the consultant, the psychological contract, the formal contract, and abdication of responsibility for the consulting project by the client. Seventeen sources…

Discusses the challenges of running a library in a political environment, and offers observations and strategies to aid in public library management. Areas discussed include governance, funding, personnel management, relationships with the press, working with elected officials, and negotiating strategies and skills. (CLB)