What Every Library Director Should Know

September 15, 2014

Curzon (dean emeritus, California State Univ.; Managing Change: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians) professes from the beginning of this text that it is unlike other management books available--and the author is correct. The book's ten chapters cover expected topics such as "Engaging Staff" and "Dealing with the Press" but also address issues such as "A Death in the Library." Curzon's conversational tone is both welcome and refreshing. Directors inwardly murmuring, while in a difficult situation, "Well, there certainly isn't a handbook to cover this issue," will be proven wrong by this book. Even delicate issues, including keeping an exit strategy in mind and how to navigate the tense situation of space poachers consuming the library's resources are discussed in detail. VERDICT Academic and public library directors interested in building their strengths as compassionate leaders will appreciate the candid dialog in this text, which combines Curzon's extensive experience with that of the book's many contributors who provide supporting commentary.--Kendra Auberry, Indian River State Coll. Lib., Port St. Lucie, FL

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2023

Curzon (dean emeritus of the library at California State Univ., Northridge; Managing the Interview) has decades of experience working in academic and public libraries. In this second edition of her 2014 book, she offers a new chapter discussing assessment, idea flow, and diversity and inclusion. The book is written in the second person and is conversational in tone, presenting advice from an experienced library director to a new one. While some readers may skim over sections that seem to offer standard common-sense advice or that don't match their leadership style, others will use this text as a how-to manual for becoming a successful academic- or public-library director. It addresses many practical day-to-day topics not covered in library-management textbooks, such as what to do when surprised by a reporter in the stacks or how to handle a coworker's death. Librarians considering moving into a director position will appreciate the last chapter ("Do You Want To Be a Director?") and the various quotes from successful librarians scattered throughout. VERDICT Unique supplemental reading for aspiring library directors or those interested in an insider's view of successful library management.--Sarah Hill

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.