An Excellent Library Science Management Textbook: A Review of Management Basics for Information Professionals by G. Edwards Evans and Stacey Greenwell

Abstract

Management Basics for Information Professionals, 4th edition, by G. Edwards Evans and Stacy Greenwell is intended as a textbook for the introductory library management course with the secondary objective of helping librarians hone their management skills. The authors aim to cover management issues in all types and sizes of libraries but focus more on academic and public libraries. The 22 chapters adequately cover the broad scope of management topics including self-management and career development. Positives include stressing that management is an art rather than a science, that no one strategy will succeed in all situations, and that managers must be aware of the internal and external environment. Additional examples of turning abstract principles into practice, more humor, and increased contributions from the behavioral sciences would have strengthened the text. A supplementary 150 page document that provides challenging case studies for classroom use is available upon request. Overall, I highly recommend this textbook and would use it if I were to teach the basic management course.