Practical Project Management for Librarians - by Kirsten Clark (Hardcover)

About the Book

Your one-stop guide to managing small, mid-size, and large-scale projects.

Book Synopsis

Librarians continue to work under budget constraints while still needing to increase the user experience and remove barriers to library resources. Learning to evaluate the best options for managing projects to accomplish goals while balancing with the reality of day-to-day work needs is integral to overall success.

In this book, readers will learn: how to balance the goals of the project with the reality of working in libraries today, what key questions can help move readers effectively through the project process and choose the right tools, best practices to ensure sustainability in project plans as well as outcomes, and how to incorporate diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles into your project management. This practice guide provides step-by-step instructions to determine what project management tools and techniques match the needs of the particular library project and person/team's skills level, while also providing these in the context of libraries' specific cultures and norms.

Review Quotes

"A comprehensive how-to guide and essential resource for incorporating project management in libraries. This book translates project management principles into understandable steps for implementing best practices and techniques while providing insight into the benefits of project management when creating, running, and successfully completing library projects." --Dennis J. Smith, MLIS, MPM, Associate Dean, West Virginia University Libraries

"This is an essential guide for library staff and administrators seeking structured, practical approaches to project management. Practical Project Management for Librarians bridges the gap between theory and real-world application - I found the different-sized project examples particularly helpful. Clark has provided a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their project management skills in a library setting." --Nicole A. Lewis, PMP, Metadata Standards Librarian, Brigham Young University

"Practical Project Management for Librarians makes project management approachable by using jargon-free language and insightful, real-world examples that resonate with library professionals. A project management framework is offered as a tool to encourage employee development and unlock innovation. This book will be useful in libraries of all types and sizes." --Lea Briggs, Ed.D., MLS, Senior Operations Manager, The University of New Mexico

About the Author

Kirsten Clark is the director of Library Enterprise Systems at the University of Minnesota Libraries, USA, where her department oversees systems for five system campuses as well as ensures consistent and transparent application of access policies for students, faculty, researchers, and community users. In a career that has spanned working for small liberal arts colleges to research universities, she has led projects within a variety of library areas including research and instruction, collection development, access and information services, and information technology and systems. Her experiences also include serving in multiple national, regional, and state associations, working to bring to fruition initiatives and projects that reflect the needs of multiple stakeholders. Prior to her current position, she served as director of Access and Information Services as well as the Regional Depository Librarian for Minnesota, South Dakota, and Michigan, supporting over 70 public, academic, and special libraries depository collections.