Conference on Academic Library Management

Taking on management responsibilities can be a journey of discovery. In addition to the regular transition of relationships, roles, and tasks, a management portfolio may also include projects and problems that have been minimally or never managed. What strategies can managers apply in “unmanaged” situations? When is the right time to make change, shift directions, or start something new? Two middle manager librarians will describe unmanaged scenarios they took on in a mid-sized academic library at a public university in the Midwest. Rather than relying on “because I said so” directives, the presenters will demonstrate how managers can engage stakeholders in meaningful problem solving and change. While we are not strategic communication professionals, we will discuss and model the communication strategies that worked best for us when challenged by organizational and individual obstacles like reluctance to adopt new practices. We will engage the audience in discussion of problem-solving strategies through short and relatable case studies. Each case study will unpack the internal politics of identifying an “unmanaged” problem or task. Presenters and participants will engage in discussion in order to select practical solutions and approaches, and all will strategize about making time for, or allocating, new and sometimes unanticipated responsibilities.