Advice for interim library directors
From PLN
Advice for interim library directors
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PLN Challenge, June 2008
edited by Walt Crawford, published June 16, 2008
Bill Drew suggested this month's challenge in a comment on the Leadership training, mentoring and other resources Talk page, where he noted that interim library directors are in unique situations, especially when (as is often the case) they are candidates for the permanent position. He was looking for resources to make the interim job easier.
So the June 2008 PLN Challenge is:
What advice would you offer to an interim library director?
Challenge panelists offered some words of advice. You're invited to add your own--particularly those of you who have been interim library directors!
Sara Weissman
You're interim? You could become the permanent director. (Do you want to be?)
- Don't get buried in the office. Spend an hour or two a week at/with every service desk in your building. You will demonstrate either that you can do the job your staff does or you're willing to learn what it is they do. The library you now head is only as good/strong as its people, so get to know them.
- Invite yourself to some of the community meetings: Rotary, Kiwanis, FOE, VFW, Poli Sci dept., etc. The excuse is you're the new director. The reason is to listen. Do they know anything about your library and what it can do for the public/campus?
- Only now can you read 1) the strategic plan and 2) the budget.
- Take some time to write "Assessment of X Library in 2010." Lay out where the institution, as you see it, will be in 18 months. And offer any suggestions/midcourse corrections.
Go nuts. If they don't like you and your ideas, they'll still be better off for what you've said. And if they don't like it? it's not a place you'd want to work, anyhow. If they do? Get some benchmarks and guarantees written into your contract...and have a ball leading your place into 21st century librarianship.
Pamela Snelson
Act as if you are the library director.
Times are changing fast; you dare not be a caretaker. A library can't be in a holding pattern for 6, 12, 18 months while a search is conducted (and hopefully concluded, but perhaps not).
Be up front with the library staff--tell them you want to move their library forward and are not content to maintain the status quo. Ask for their advice on priorities and their support in your endeavors. The same message needs to be delivered to your boss. Determine from her/him any critical areas for the library.
I'd only be cautious in filling vacancies. It's a real bonus to a new director to have the ability to look at the library and bring in new talents. So if there is an option to make temporary appointments to cover open positions, I'd advocate that strategy.
Related articles
- Looking in the mirror - seeing where you and your institution are and should be.
- "Hey boss, I want your job!" -- Jamie LaRue considers getting honest feedback from staff members on where they are and where they want to be.
- How healthy is your organization? - things you'll particularly want to think about in an interim situation.
- Staff feedback and involvement - commentaries on providing feedback to staff, getting feedback from staff and getting (and keeping) staff involved, not just taking orders.
Your turn: Talk about it
What's your advice?
- Suggestions for the interim library director who does not become the director (after applying for the job)?
- Different suggestions for the interim director with no intention of becoming permanent?
The discussion has begun and could use your perspective.
