Management Skills for the More Experienced (ExFiles)

Please note...

The ExFiles course ended on 16th February 2007. However, this website retains useful information and resources that may be of interest to you.

About ExFiles...

Welcome to the Management Skills for the More Experienced (ExFiles) web pages. ExFiles is an online interactive course on management that is being delivered by email and Web pages as part of the National Library for Health (NLH) Librarian Development Programme. It has been designed to enable those who have occupied a library management position for several years to consolidate and refresh the skills and knowledge required to deliver effective front-line library services.

The ExFiles course begins on Monday 8th January 2007 and will end on the Friday 16th February 2007. To keep track of the course so far, see the ExFiles archive. To see an outline of upcoming course materials and exercises, see the ExFiles course timetable.

In completing the ExFiles course participants can follow the group-supported or self-directed route. For futher information and to help you decide which route to follow please read about the Self-directed Route.

ExFiles Course Materials...

Key materials:

• The portfolio template for the course is available to download here: please select either the Group-supported version or the Self-directed version depending on which route you are following. (Please note that this Wiki works best if you open these files in a new window)

• Revised Portfolio Submission Instructions

• Course Evaluation Form (You will need to select “ExFiles Evaluation Form” from the “Active Surveys” drop-down list)

• Assessment criteria for the portfolio: your portfolio will be assessed by either the Group-supported criteria or the Self-directed criteria depending on which route you are following. (Please note that this Wiki works best if you open these files in a new window)

Briefings

• What is so different about management?

• Strategic Planning: an Overview

• Groundhog Day Choices and Decisions The Recruitment Process (Interactive Briefing)

• Innovative Human Resource Management Practices

• Financial Management: an Overview

• Project Management Techniques

The Changers Library Story

• Part 1: A Day in the Life
• Part 2: Developing a Library Strategy
• Part 3: Identifying Managerial Development Needs

SHALL FIND project materials

• Project Powerpoint
• Staffing
• Timing
• Costing
• Project Plan

Other Materials

• Handling Challenging Situations Quiz
• Good Practice in HRM powerpoint
• Improving Staff Morale
• Budget Table
• Project Management Case Study: Nicola Walsh Interview Recording and Transcript
• Handling Challenging Situations Quiz Answers
• Course Summary

Course Evaluation:

• ExFiles Evaluation Report

Course aim...

This course aims to enable those who have occupied a library management position for several years to consolidate and refresh the skills and knowledge required to deliver effective front-line library services.

Course objectives...

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

• Assess the current state of their personal managerial development;

• Identify the importance of strategic planning when faced by an ever-changing and uncertain environment;

• Describe the main characteristics and attributes of a successful library manager;

• Develop personal strategies to enable them to manage their human resources, paid and volunteer staff, effectively;

• Acquire knowledge of financial management skills and strategies;

• Rehearse appropriate methods for the initiation and completion of project management;

• Engage with fellow participants in reflecting on effective managerial practice and the ongoing need for personal managerial development.

Useful references

For more information about developing an effective managerial role see the following references:

Allan, B (2004). Project Management: Tools and Techniques for Today's ILS Professional (Paperback) Facet Publishing.

Evans GE and Layzell Ward P (2003) Beyond the Basics: The Management Guide for Library and Information Professionals Neal-Schuman.

McKay D (2003). Effective Financial Planning for Library and Information Services (Aslib Know How Guides).

Roberts S & Rowley J (2004). Managing Information Services. Facet Publishing ISBN: 1856045153.

Urquhart C (2006) Solving Management Problems in Information Services (Paperback) Chandos Publishing Oxford Ltd ISBN: 1843341360.