Why I what? you incredulously ask. Okay, okay - I remain less than thrilled with some parts academic library management, but the consistently most satisfying parts of my job come straight from the management end of things.
Today I launched another phase of a project integrating social software with support staff - and they didn't just accept it, they launched into it with zeal, 100% of them. Wow. There are so many exciting possibilities in libraries today; and today it was fantastic to have a group of people who are working together, learning new things, trying new things (some of them still rather nervous about any new computer software) and excited to work on a project that benefits the group more than any individual member. So many of the presentations on social software projects are about overcoming the challenges of getting buy in and getting people to use the new tools. But today, none of those concerns could be found. Today was about playing and ideas, so the next few weeks will see if that enthusiasm remains, but I must say we are off to a great start and I am excited to see what is next.
I often get asked how I can really like academic library management - well, these are the days that make it great.
Management has its rewards, and not all managers are clueless.
Posted by: Jane Blumenthal | 13 March 2007 at 11:16 AM
Yeah, you won't be so happy with "the management end of things" when the revolution comes!
Posted by: Will Guevara | 27 July 2007 at 06:32 AM