The academic library administrator's field guide

CHICAGO — The daily administration of an academic library often leaves you needing quick advice on the topic at hand. Bryce Nelson, an experienced administrator writing from first-hand knowledge, delivers such advice in “The Academic Library Administrator's Field Guide,” published by ALA Editions. Each of its 30 topical chapters begins with an “Assertion,” a one-sentence summary allowing you to rapidly scan the book and find what you need. When you’re on the job, you can dip into this guide for ready-to-use guidance on the full range of administrator responsibilities, such as:

• how to think and act politically;
• preparing staff for safety and security procedures;
• influencing student and faculty's perception of the library as a basic component of education;
• fostering librarians' professional identity as teachers;
• communicating effectively, from email messages to meetings;
• assessment and systematic collection of data.

Nelson was university librarian at Seattle Pacific University and director of the libraries for the Seattle Public Schools. He is affiliate faculty at the University of Washington’s Information School, and Seattle Pacific University’s School of Education.

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