Fundamentals of Library Supervision, Fourth Edition

NOTE: This title will be available Fall 2026. You may place an order and the item will be shipped when it becomes available.

Foreword by Janice Welburn 

Updated and reorganized to be even more useful for day-to-day reference, this classic handbook will help new supervisors, librarians, library staff aspiring to supervisory roles, and seasoned administrators alike thoroughly grasp the dynamic responsibilities entailed in putting people foremost in their libraries.

Supervising a library, managing people, stepping forward as a mentor, and being a leader in your community, whether you run a small, one-person library or work in a large research university library, is no small feat. The new fourth edition of this "classic text" (Library Journal) shares practical advice on many of today’s management opportunities and challenges. Whether you're new to supervision or already have experience, you will find that the topics covered here, along with examples from various libraries, provide an overview of the many tasks and responsibilities of a manager and supervisor. Packed with clear and concise wisdom that will give you confidence in the role, inside this handbook you will discover:

• step-by-step guidance on fundamental skills such as hiring, onboarding and orientation, scheduling and service provision, performance appraisal and management, budgeting, space planning and safety, and conducting meetings;
• insights on core leadership competencies essential for supervisors to balance organizational priorities with the individual needs and desires of staff;
• guidance on helping library employees to learn and grow in their jobs, becoming adept at change management, setting priorities and managing time effectively and efficiently, being a good collaborator, modeling self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and other keys to success as a supervisor;
• a new discussion of the changed organizational climate and how to create and sustain environments that foster a sense of belonging among all staff;
• chapter summaries with critical takeaways; and
• helpful extras like a positive messaging worksheet, new employee welcome email template, and information about additional resources.

Author: Beth McNeil
Published: 2026
Publisher: ALA Editions
Pages: 184
Width: 6"
Height: 9"
Format: Softcover