Catalysts for Change (PDF)

This book, first published in 1993, features the perspectives of library practitioners as well as other higher education professionals on using innovative management techniques. The book includes practical discussions of Total Quality Management, team management, the impact of gender differences, managing an older work force, and educational needs. Through this valuable book, library administrators will find the best methods for adapting management strategies to the major political upheaval, economic reprioritizing, and organizational restructuring that has been characteristic of this decade. They will benefit from the case studies and practical overview from professionals who have already experienced change in their own libraries. Some of the important topics covered by the contributors include: fostering the democratization of the workplace and the development of the staff through empowerment; proactive, assertive, and collaborative roles of libraries in the scholarly communication process; library management education that prepares professionals both to anticipate change and to bring about change in their institutions in response to societal needs and shifts; managing the academic library through teamwork; the possible impacts and implications of female leadership on the library profession; organizational change in research libraries; older workers in technical services; and using the budget as a planning tool.