This essay proposes the use of assessment centers, designed to simulate real-life situations and identify managerial skills, as a possible solution to dilemmas of current administrative personnel selection practices in academic libraries. Background, setting up the assessment center, obtaining assessment expertise, and legal implications are…

Describes the methods and objectives of assessment centers, and the benefits to academic libraries that participate in such programs. The discussion covers the usefulness of this process in collective bargaining situations, cost effectiveness, and guidelines for developing an assessment center. (33 notes with references) (CLB)