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The political climate, demographics, the economic state of the union, and technological change all can affect the library adversely. Or these changes can be seen as challenges and opportunities to move the library in the right direction--and always forward.

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Strategic management in libraries means paying attention to external forces affecting internal operations. Mason, a longtime LJ contributor and former director of the Cleveland Public Library, presents a collection of essays (some published previously in LJ) that highlight this point. This is not a basic textbook on the subject but rather a presentation of the author's perspective on outside influences on the operation of libraries. Its 20 chapters discuss trend analysis, political contexts under which libraries operate, innovation in libraries and information, economic issues, the impact of technology, literacy, the impact of globalization on librarianship, what role the Library of Congress should play in the profession, and the role of personal style in management. All the essays are very well written and informative. One particularly good section is a comparison of predictions Mason made regarding public libraries in a 1985 LJ article. Individuals seeking a basic introduction to the subject should turn to Robert M. Hayes's Strategic Management for Academic Libraries (Greenwood, 1993) and Hayes and Virginia A. Waltess's Strategic Management for Public Libraries (Professional Media, LJ 11/1/96). However, this work is good supplementary reading for library school management classes or experienced managers.ÄStephen L. Hupp, Swedenborg Memorial Lib., Urbana Univ., OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Mason, Cleveland Public Library director since 1986, gathers 25 years' worth of essays and speeches on topics ranging from trend analysis, innovation, developments in technology, economic issues, literacy, and the global context of public libraries. All relate to what Mason describes as the ability to manage out rather than down, to envision and implement the future. That implementation requires understanding and reacting to the forces that shape the library's operating environment. Mason's remarks are as relevant today as when they were written, making them must reading for all administrators and others interested in creating the library's future.