The Dysfunctional Library

The Dysfunctional Library

Author: Jo Henry

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2018-12-18

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 0838916236

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Frankly, it’s not something we like to talk about. There is an unfortunate stigma to acknowledging workplace dysfunction, let alone trying to grapple with the problem. But negative behaviors such as incivility, toxicity, deviant behavior, workplace politics, and team and leadership dysfunction not only make the library a stressful workplace, they also run counter to the core values of librarianship. An important tool for library leaders and managers as well as library staff, this book examines these negative relationship-based issues and suggests practical, research-based solutions by discussing the importance of understanding oneself as related to the library workplace;identifying attributes specific to libraries that foster personal success;showing how organizational dysfunction is rooted in problems such as poor communication, inadequate leadership, and lack of employee engagement;breaking down relatable scenarios to analyze what’s behind them and how to defuse them, ranging from a gossipy coworker who fails to contribute to the organization to workplace bullying and mobbing;exploring causes, results, and potential solutions in the areas of cyberloafing, fraud, theft, and sabotage;delving into the importance of conflict management, surveying a variety of approaches and applications;examining the use of teams in libraries and the impact of favoritism, nepotism, and sexism; andproviding techniques for successful collaboration, leadership, organizational communication, and other key management topics. By tackling the dysfunctional library head on, managers as well as library workers who find themselves in a toxic situation will be poised to better meet library goals and move the library forward.


Libraries as Dysfunctional Organizations and Workplaces

Libraries as Dysfunctional Organizations and Workplaces

Author: Spencer Acadia

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2022-11-30

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 100079881X

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Libraries as Dysfunctional Organizations and Workplaces expands the "dysfunctional" concept in the professional and academic LIS discourse by exposing the internal problematics of libraries, especially at the social and organizational levels. Including contributions written by LIS professionals and scholars, the book demonstrates that although many libraries do well at attending to users and managing external information they often fail at taking care of their own employees and addressing internal workplace issues. Acadia and the contributing authors explore the problem of dysfunctional libraries so that the LIS profession can come to terms with the systemic dysfunction in their institutions and begin solution-oriented progress toward new and sustainable functionality. The book analyzes the dysfunctional nature of modern libraries, while simultaneously proposing solutions to reduce and alleviate dysfunction. Through theory and application, it takes an explicit practice-based approach with the intent to inform and explain dysfunction as experienced in the library workplace at individual and structural levels and perspectives. Libraries as Dysfunctional Organizations and Workplaces brings the dysfunction discourse to the attention of LIS academics and scholars so that further theoretical and empirical research can proceed from and subsequently be addressed in library and information schools. The book will also be essential reading for librarians and LIS students currently working or preparing to work in public, college, and university libraries.


Cultivating Civility

Cultivating Civility

Author: Jo Henry

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2020-04-08

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0838947239

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Filled with beneficial advice on every page, this resource will help libraries be better workplaces for everyone.


American Reference Books Annual

American Reference Books Annual

Author: Juneal M. Chenoweth

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2019-06-24

Total Pages: 577

ISBN-13: 1440869146

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Read professional, fair reviews by practicing academic, public, and school librarians and subject-area specialists that will enable you to make the best choices from among the latest reference resources. This newest edition of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) provides librarians with insightful, critical reviews of print and electronic reference resources released or updated in 2017-2018, as well as some from 2019 that were received in time for review in the publication. By using this invaluable guide to consider both the positive and negative aspects of each resource, librarians can make informed decisions about which new reference resources are most appropriate for their collections and their patrons' needs. Collection development librarians who are working with limited budgets—as is the case in practically every library today—will be able to maximize the benefit from their monetary resources by selecting what they need most for their collection, while bypassing materials that bring limited value to their specific environment.


Cultivating Civility

Cultivating Civility

Author: Jo Henry

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2020-04-08

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 0838947247

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Like other workplaces, libraries can sometimes be stressful, with library workers bearing the brunt of such problems as uncivil patrons, poor communication, inadequate leadership, and toxic behaviors by fellow employees. But there’s hope. Following up their acclaimed examination of the dysfunctional library ("should be essential reading for library leaders" raves Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association), here the authors present a book of proactive solutions and guidance culled from their own research, including interviews with library administrators and staff. Sharing valuable insights that will stimulate thought and discussion towards the goal of a healthier and more harmonious workplace, this book addresses the subject from four viewpoints—individual, team, leader, and organization—focusing on solutions and practical steps in each area; shows how self-reflection and self-awareness can be key starting points for exploring workplace issues; offers numerous suggestions for wellness and self-care; provides tips for improving interpersonal communication and conversations in ways that prevent silos and span boundaries; sheds light on forming and sustaining cohesive library teams, then provides solutions for misaligned teams and dissenters; discusses why effectively conveying vision, role modeling, and demonstrating empathy are all crucial behaviors of library leaders; shares actions library leaders can take to engage employees in the change process; examines how organizational structures can either detract or contribute to a library’s success; and details types of training that can be utilized to minimize dysfunction, including training for bias, empathy, conflict management, and diversity. Filled with beneficial advice on every page, this resource will help libraries be better workplaces for everyone.


Best Practices to Prepare Writers for Their Professional Paths

Best Practices to Prepare Writers for Their Professional Paths

Author: Barker-Stucky, Carissa A.

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2024-06-17

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 1668490250

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The world of writing is in constant flux, presenting a challenge to aspiring writers and educators alike. From the rapid evolution of digital platforms to the complex demands of diverse writing fields, staying ahead has never been more critical. Many academic scholars and institutions find it increasingly challenging to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate this shifting landscape successfully. Graduates are often left ill-prepared to thrive in the competitive, dynamic field of professional writing. Best Practices to Prepare Writers for Their Professional Paths addresses the pressing issue head-on. This book serves as the definitive solution for educators, academic scholars, and anyone invested in nurturing the next generation of writers. This comprehensive resource compiles a wealth of research, industry best practices, and real-world experience, ensuring that readers emerge with the proficiency and confidence needed to excel in their chosen writing domains.