Advanced eCourse: Management Fundamentals for Library Staff

An ALA Continuing Education and SJSU iSchool Advanced eCourse

Description

This twelve-week course offers librarians and library staff a comprehensive introduction to management principles specifically tailored to the unique contexts of libraries and information centers. Using Library Management 101: A Practical Guide as the primary text, participants will explore foundational concepts such as management theory, leadership, organizational communication, human resources, and financial planning. Each week combines assigned reading with supplementary articles and written discussion prompts to connect theory to practice. Through this structure, participants will develop an understanding of how effective management supports both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals in libraries.

In addition to building core knowledge, the course emphasizes critical reflection through weekly written discussions. Topics include conflict resolution, diversity, ethics, and change management, providing a foundation for understanding common challenges in library settings. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify practical management approaches, apply fundamental concepts to library scenarios, and reflect on their own leadership potential. Whether preparing for supervisory roles or seeking to strengthen existing practice, participants will gain confidence in applying management basics to create supportive, efficient, and adaptive library environments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain key management principles (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) and how they apply in library settings.
• Identify core leadership styles and assess their effectiveness in managing library teams and services.
• Apply effective communication strategies to improve collaboration within library teams and with external stakeholders.
• Recognize common workplace challenges in libraries (e.g. conflict, workload distribution, staff morale) and outline basic approaches to address them.
• Interpret basic budgeting and resource allocation concepts to support decision-making in library operations.
• Describe principles of performance management, including setting expectations, giving feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Examine the role of change management in adapting library services to evolving technologies, user needs, and institutional priorities.

About the Instructor

Dr. Sean Gaffney has taught at the School of Information at San Jose State University since 2008. His area of expertise is library management and administration. Sean teaches Library Financial Management, Project Management, Library Professions, and Using Social Media for Competitive and Company Research courses. Sean holds an MLIS from Kent State University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. He has a Ph.D. in Organizational Change from Western Michigan University. Sean is also a Certified Public Accountant (Illinois) and a Certified Management Accountant. He lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.