Time and Project Management Strategies for Librarians

Librarians today must be creative managers of their time and resources, in order to maintain some semblance of sanity in this world of increasing demands coupled with significant budget cuts.  The logical (and who, if not librarians, are logical?) response to this environment might seem to be something like, we can only do so much with so little; however, as librarians strive, on a fundamental level, to serve their patrons, this seems to be an impossibility.  Instead, professionals in the field endeavor, through sundry means, to increase their level of productivity in an effort to effectively fulfill their ever increasing obligations.

In response to this, Carol Smallwood, Jason Kuhl, and Lisa Fraser have assembled over 30 essays in their book Time and Project Management Strategies for Librarians, which address various aspects of time management and organizational skills.  The essays offer insights from practicing librarians who are currently navigating the wilds of the profession on such topics as management strategies, staffing issues, uses of technology in time management, tips on how to stay organized, work/life balance, and professional development.  UNCG's own Jenny Dale and Lynda Kellam of University Libraries co-authored an essay for the compilation titled, Productive to the core : core competencies and the productive librarian.

"This anthology is certain to become an essential resource for librarians everywhere as they attempt to maximize efficiency and productivity with limited resources". (Jeffrey A. Franks, Associate Professor and Head of Reference at Bierce Library, University of Akron, Ohio)

It "is a great addition to any librarian’s professional bookshelf". (Heather Payne, Corporate Liaison to the Libraries, City College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

"The editors' formula... is one drop theory to four or five drops of practical advice. What it creates is an elixir for librarians who struggle to accomplish their goals while negotiating changing technology, shrinking, budgets, and depleted staffs". (Carol Luers Eyman, Outreach and Community Services Coordinator, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, New Hampshire)