Recent research has been drawn upon throughout to fully revise this volume, especially in the areas of staff motivation, job satisfaction and workforce planning. Of particular note are the many new examples featured of documentation now used by libraries, particularly in the coverage of job descriptions, recruitment, staff selection and staff appraisal. All topics highlighted by the changed Library Association requirements for achievement of its qualifications are covered, and the chapter on staff appraisal has been completely re-written to take account of the great progress made in libraries and information units since the last edition. The section on staff supervision and interpersonal skills training has been reorganized and now encompasses time management, conflict management and the management of stress. With these new features bringing the book up to date, it remains an indispensable guide for all library and information centre professionals, and all those involved with the supervision and management of library and information staff.

This standard text has been fully revised and updated for its fourth edition to reflect continuing technological changes, as well as issues such as social inclusion, lifelong learning and European employment legislation. Chapter 1 on the working environment has been completely rewritten. The present environment brings problems of staff motivation, de-professionalization and the loss of control: Chapter 2 reminds readers of basic motivation theories, now presented in a more logical sequence, and how to deal with such problems. Chapter 3 on workforce planning has been retitled Human Resource Planning and revised to take into account the modes of staffing appropriate for today's turbulent environment. Effective human resource planning requires excellent selection and recruitment procedures: best practice and developments in this area are explored in Chapters 4, Job Descriptions and Person Specifications, and 5, Recruitment and Selection of Staff. In Chapter 6 on staff appraisal more attention has been given to multi-rating approaches, such as 360° whereby different aspects of work can be assessed by different groups of people, and to appraisal of junior by senior staff. The last decade has seen increased emphasis on training and development to deliver high quality services in a climate of constant change. Chapter 7 has therefore been reordered and expanded in order to reflect new approaches and changes in this area. In Chapter 8, Staff Supervision and Interpersonal Skills, recent emphasis on leadership and counselling skills are reflected, as is the growing need to do more with less through enhanced time management and stress management techniques. With this new edition, this core guide brings professionals involved in managing library and information staff up to date with how to cope with the most pressing problems and challenges in today's fast-changing environment.

Working with Collections: An Introduction for Support Staff deals with the technical service aspect of library work- the processes that put a book on the shelf or online. It provides an introduction to publishers, vendors, preparing items for use, and caring for items in the collections and is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and their students, and an introductory manual for support staff who work in libraries. This material is written in clear language with practical examples of how performance can contribute to exemplary library service. It is aligned with the ALA support staff standards and prepares library support staff to: Know how to use an integrated library system and other appropriate online tools. Know the basic principles of collection development and management. Assist with decisions regarding selection, de-selection, retention and replacement of all types of library resources. Know the basic principles, and can apply, the appropriate procedures to the processes that provide users with access to a wide variety of content. Know the various ways in which content, in multiple formats, is produced and distributed to libraries. Understand the value of resource sharing agreements and apply them to collection decisions. Know and use the recognized standard evaluative sources to assist with collection development. Know the principles and basic practices regarding the preservation of library resources. Apply appropriate methods and techniques for accurate preparation of library resources Explain and apply policies regarding library collections.

This book offers time management tools, tips, and techniques for busy librarians, so they can better serve their communities and feel greater satisfaction with work and life. Being short on resources is now "the new normal" for libraries—and having too little money and too few staff members always brings library staff to the same predicament: not enough time. While it is not possible to create more time, by making use of the right time management tools and techniques, it IS possible to make huge improvements in your productivity—and as side benefits, a decrease in job stress and frustration and a greater sense of work satisfaction. This book shows how to apply powerful time management strategies so you can get more done, deliver the best service possible to your patrons, and enjoy being in an environment that fosters greater creativity and workplace satisfaction. Topics include time tracking, task management, identifying goals and priorities, beating the obstacles of procrastination and perfectionism as well as distractions and interruptions, and staying on top of time management when collaborating. Quotes and stories from individuals who work in libraries illustrate key points and concepts throughout the book. The final chapter explains how to set a personal plan for time management—using the awareness of your own patterns, obstacles, and goals, and the experience you have gained with various time management techniques and tools—to create your own unique time management strategy and make time management an ongoing, long-term priority.