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An practical and invaluable book for aspiring library leaders
WHAT fortuitous timing to publish this book in the middle of a pandemic, when many library and information services used the disruption to their ser- vices to recalibrate their fundamental purposes and plan for their futures. The obsolescence and ulti- mately demise of libraries as mere repositories of printed books has been predicted for some years now but this book offers a provocative challenge to library leaders to examine the purpose of their services and align so closely with their parent organisations and users that they become an indispensable partner. Each chapter is written by an
expert offering thought-pro- voking questions and potential solutions based on their own experiences in a variety of organisations from around the world. Predominantly the authors are from academic and public library organisations, but with some thought their ideas could be put to excellent use in other contexts. Chapters end with useful extensive lists of references. Some of the most interesting chapters cover fas- cinating partnerships between academic and public library services such as Worcester- shire’s Hive and the public libraries operating as smart centres. A personal favourite covers the role of corporate libraries and their pivotal con- tribution in problem solving for the parent organisation and a research hub in formulating business strategies. Another favourite is the final chapter
50 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
How to maximise resources and communicate effectively
A PRACTICAL approach to strategic engagement, defining it as how involved people are and how sus- tained this is over time. I loved the expression “don’t expect someone to spot your wonderfulness”! It’s about advocacy, analysing market- places and anticipating users’ needs.
Weaver, Margaret, Appleton, Leo, (eds). Bold Minds: library leadership in a time of disruption. London: Facet Publishing, 2020. 246pp. ISBN 978 1 7833 0453 0. £60.
with its practical guidance on impressing new managers from their first tour of the service, to single page metrics incorporating feedback. Highly successful service leaders offer insights into how they utilised an agile and innovative mind set to gain influence as strategic drivers within their organisations and build strong knowledge com- munities through creatively demonstrating their contri- butions to decision making stakeholders. An invaluable addition to any library leader or aspiring leader’s bookshelf. It also has much to offer to anyone responsible with developing courses for the profession’s future leaders.
Mandy Webster Browne Jacobson
Kendrick emphasises strate- gic approaches as crucial for sustainable outcomes but also highlights the benefit of quick wins. Making user engagement fun can boost staff morale. The book’s relevance to colleagues in both managerial and front-line roles is achieved by advising how to articulate strategic ambition as well as sharing practical tips. Stakeholder engagement is highlighted as a key tool, ensuring differences between groups is acknowledged and the importance of adapting to your local context. For example, in academic libraries how do you measure contribution to successful student outcomes? Hits on web sites? Comments on social media posts? An excellent feature are tables positioned throughout the book prompting you to think about application within your context. Kendrick argues that articu- lating your value propositions is key, both those more tradition- ally associated with marketing such as product and price, as well as relationship manage- ment approaches. Tips include not forgetting your current users in the pursuit of attract- ing new people, having a mix of push and pull techniques,
Kendrick, Terry. Engaging Your Community Through Active Strategic Marketing: a practical guide for librarians and information professionals. London: Facet Publishing, 2021. 198pp. ISBN 978 1 7833 0383 0. £60.
and targeting messages at key points in the lifecycle of your communities. Users need to see the benefit to them of what your service is offering. Getting involved with your communities means you’re in for the long-haul so planning is crucial. Be effective and efficient with your resources. Ensure you can measure the reach of your engagement activities and remember that evaluation is dependent on how you have defined engagement for your service. Kendrick finishes with a rallying cry to inspire your team, have a shared vision, and keeping your service human!
Suzie Williams
Academic Liaison Librarian (Arts, Design and Performing Arts), University of Sunderland
January-February 2022
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