The Contrarian Manager: Collected Columns

This book offers a contrarian view of library management with a humanities focus, reflecting the author's practical experience and management philosophy. It provides practical advice for library managers, teaching them how to discover their strengths and weaknesses, collect objective evidence, examine traditional and non-traditional solutions, and monitor results as a learning experience. The columns delve into subconscious motivation and avoid simplistic solutions, addressing common library problems such as budgeting, unions, management perks, promotion, and search committees.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book on library management presents a contrarian view with a humanities focus that reflects the authors decades of practical experience as a library manager and professor of library science. This collected volume presents the authors thoughts on teaching management to library science students, his management philosophy, and practical advice for library managers. The columns strive to teach students and managers how to discover their strengths and weaknesses, to collect as much objective evidence as possible, to examine both traditional and non-traditional solutions, and to brutally monitor results as a learning experience. The columns delve into subconscious motivation and avoid simplistic solutions that often do not consider the complexity of human behavior. The final section includes columns on common library problems such as budgeting, unions, management perks, promotion, and search committees.

The Contrarian Manager presents the collected articles of Robert P. Holley published in the Journal of Library Administration. The book offers a unique perspective on library management, blending a humanities focus with the authors extensive practical experience as a library manager and professor of library science. The authors aim is to challenge conventional approaches and provide students and managers with valuable insights and practical advice.

The book is organized into several sections, each addressing different aspects of library management. The first section explores the authors thoughts on teaching management to library science students. The author emphasizes the importance of developing a comprehensive management philosophy that encompasses both traditional and non-traditional approaches. He also provides practical advice for library managers, such as how to identify their strengths and weaknesses, collect objective evidence, and examine both traditional and non-traditional solutions to library problems.

The second section delves into the authors management philosophy. The author discusses the importance of avoiding simplistic solutions that often fail to consider the complexity of human behavior. He emphasizes the need for managers to tap into the subconscious motivations of their employees and create a positive work environment that fosters creativity and productivity.

The third section includes a series of columns that provide practical advice for library managers on various issues, such as budgeting, unions, management perks, promotion, and search committees. The columns are written in a concise and accessible style, making them useful for both students and experienced library managers. Each column offers insights and strategies for dealing with common library problems, and the author encourages readers to think critically and apply the advice to their own situations.

In conclusion, The Contrarian Manager is a valuable resource for library science students and library managers alike. The book offers a unique perspective on library management, blending a humanities focus with practical experience and valuable insights. The authors approach to teaching management emphasizes the importance of developing a comprehensive management philosophy, avoiding simplistic solutions, and creating a positive work environment. The columns on common library problems provide practical advice and strategies for dealing with various issues, and the book encourages readers to think critically and apply the advice to their own situations. Whether you are a student seeking to gain a deeper understanding of library management or an experienced library manager looking to improve your skills, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032361840