Introduction
This chapter outlines different approaches to managing routine work, the people side of work and planning for and managing incidents and emergencies. The related topic of project management is considered in Chapter 7. The following themes are explored in this chapter: documenting the operations; different types of work; managing process work; process mapping; and using ICT to manage teamwork. This is followed by a focus on managing people with sections on: setting objectives, delegating tasks, giving instructions, giving feedback and managing performance. The final theme is planning for incidents and emergencies, and this covers the following topics: risk analysis and mitigation; being prepared; and emergency response and recovery.
Documenting the operations
If you are a new library manager then you will need to be able to access key information quickly. Start with the library operations manual, which may be available online and/or in printed format. The National Library of New Zealand (see natlib.gov.nz) provides the following checklist of the contents of an operations manual which, although it is aimed at school librarians, is very relevant to many different types of libraries:
Essential contact information – internal and external contacts, emails and phone numbers, including supplier information and professional support.
Library usage and layout – opening and closing times, start- and end of- day procedures, procedures for loan and reservation of resources, loan limits, management of overdue, lost or damaged items.
Layout of library – floor plan.
Log-ins, passwords and online systems – information about access to log-ins, passwords, etc.
Online library system – log-in information, procedures for using the system, contact information for help.
Resource processes – documents which detail the procedures for selecting and receiving items, cataloguing, managing resources (including mending, weeding, withdrawing items), stocktaking process.
Calendar of tasks, activities and events.
Library guiding documents
To this list, the following items also need to be added to the operations manual:
Health and safety information.
First aid information.
Fire, flood and other disaster management procedures.
If this information is not readily available in the library and information service then it is a good idea to collect it together as soon as possible and establish a process for updating it.