Theory, research and practice in library management 1: Flexibility

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of flexibility as it applies to libraries. Design/methodology/approach -Specific cases are from the literature introduced where libraries have introduced aspects of flexibility. Lessons that can be learned from other sectors regarding flexibility are also presented. Findings -There are three central themes for libraries to address when considering the various theories and research around flexibility: importance of management, human resources issues and the need to know the user. Flexibility has to be managed proactively as a concept in libraries.Originality/value -The paper provides food for thought for library practitioners in the use of flexibility in an increasingly uncertain world.

On the future of library operations research

“…It seems clear that clinging to the status quo is not a realistic option, and that library managers need to be able to embrace change to be able to respond to the changing environment and to the demands of learners (Walton, 2007a). Flexibility should now be the watchword and libraries should be seeking "to introduce some elements of flexibility in their services, structure and staff" (Walton, 2007b). Wells (2007) makes the suggestion that flexibility needs to be addressed via three central themes, and we now briefly discuss each of these.…”

“…The context here is one that represents good practice in any business situation, which is to know your customer. The library should strive to establish data collection processes that allow an accurate picture of users' needs, and such "evidence based librarianship" serves to inform managers on the services required by users and the levels of demand for those services, which services are redundant, and likely developments for the future (Walton, 2007b).…”

Forming working selves : flexibility and generational identity formation in the public library

“…Concurrently, the work that people do at work are shifting and changing, and these changes almost certainly have an impact in how workers perceive themselves at work and in a broader societal context. Some of these changes have been briefly alluded to above (Walton, 2007;O'Brien and Hayden, 2007, p. 222). Through this project, I hope to resolve the research questions above in understanding library workers and their concerns, and through their narratives, I aim to understand what the impact of organizational change has on the very people who enable public service organizations to function for the use of citizens.…”

“…Public libraries, which are in themselves public organizations, have not been immune to broader changes in political economy and public organizations, due to social spending cuts, the pervasiveness of information technology and the changing nature of library work (Stevenson, 2011). Much has been written about flexibility in library workplaces and how flexibility can be entertained in library workplaces (Walton, 2007; Goulding and Kerslake, 1996a Walton (2007) highlights that flexibility in library work has brought to the fore worker "[...] concerns about loss of professional identity and coping with increased change and stress" (p. 169).…”

“…What I have learned is that library work is facing particularly significant changes in the way tasks are conducted and completed and is facing challenges related to the broader organization, structure of work, as well as service delivery. The public library also sits at the epicentre of significant changes namely technological (Walton, 2007)both in the changes happening in the workplace in relation to workplace routines and tasks, and the pressures which impact the very existential nature of the library (see for example the rise of technologies such as the iPod, Kindle, Kobo, etc. ), as well as the shifting needs of users and staff (O'Brien and Hayden, 2007, p. 222).…”