Fundamentals of Library Supervision

April 15, 2010
It's not unusual for librarians to be promoted into supervisory positions without the benefits of a role model, a good mentor, or even a halfway decent management class in graduate school. This book can help. The early part of the volume is the strongest; here the authors give advice on how to build relationships with bosses, peers, and reports; establish good communication skills; create a healthy work climate; motivate others; and build a team. Giesecke and McNeil make good use of some of the classics of management literature, notably Lee Cockerell's "Creating Magic: Ten Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney". Each chapter includes a succinct bibliography, allowing the new manager to continue his or her educationespecially useful for more complex topics like project management. Entirely new to this edition, in addition to revised text throughout, are the web extras: checklists, sample scripts, and forms that can be downloaded, filled out, and printed with Adobe Acrobat.Brian Kenney (BK), "School Library Journal & Library Journal"

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2010
Todays supervisors, managers, and leaders in any work environment need to balance production goals with concerns for people in continually changing settings. This practical guide offers specific strategies for those new to a supervisory role, including tips on creating a positive work ethic and building a team; advice on numerous issues facing supervisors, such as hiring, interviewing, training, and firing; and, additionally, guidance on managing budgets and facilities. Among the numerous useful checklists and samples are Evaluating Your Team Development, Sample Script for a Reference Check, Budget Request and Justification, and Different Rewards for Different Generations. Although the book, an update of an edition published in 2005, is aimed generally at new supervisors, more experienced managers confronting new challenges may find it a welcome refresher and reference.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)