Essential Project Management Skills for Library Workers

Register

This eCourse introduces essential strategies and techniques for project management in libraries. Topics include management styles, institutional constraints, project life cycles, stakeholder management, scope definition, risk assessment, project planning tools, and team management. There will be a special emphasis on managing teams, including information on the role of the leader, the value of diversity and inclusion, communications, and meeting management.

This course will be useful for both experienced and new project managers and other leaders that want to develop a better understanding how to develop and manage projects, particularly in times of uncertainty. No previous experience is required.

There are six modules. Each module includes both resources (lectures, readings, and videos) and a forum discussion question. Our primary text is Searcy, C. (2018). Project management in libraries: On time, on budget, on target. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. All materials are provided, including a digital copy of the primary text.

By completing the course, students will be able to:

  • Apply project management concepts to library and information practices 
  • Identify project management roles and environment
  • Understand the role of the Project Manager as a leader
  • Understand the value of diversity and inclusion in team development
  • Use major project management techniques
  • Control and evaluate project management approaches effectively to achieve better strategic outcomes

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.

Register