Managing university libraries. A cross Australian/UK study of second tier managers in university libraries
| Date | 15 May 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910957904 |
| Pages | 240-252 |
| Published date | 15 May 2009 |
| Author | Graham Walton,Liz Burke,Margaret Oldroyd |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Managing university libraries
A cross Australian/UK study of second tier
managers in university libraries
Graham Walton
Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
Liz Burke
Reid Library, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia, and
Margaret Oldroyd
De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the management function of second tier posts
in both Australia and the UK university libraries, including the identification of trends about their
demography and responsibility range. The study aims to examine the major managerial challenges
they face as individuals as well as the challenges for the wider university library. Various aspects of
the skills needed by second tier university library manager are to be explored.
Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered using an online questionnaire completed by
second tier university library managers in both Australia and the UK
Findings – Various trends are shown about the age, length of time in post and intended retirement
age of second tier mangers as well as the range of their responsibilities. Key challenges are determined
for them as individuals as well as those for the wider university library.
Research limitation/implications – The study demonstrates how effective research can be done
across countries relying solely on information and communication technologies (ICT) for data
collection and project communication/management.
Practical implications – Clear direction and guidance is provided by the outcomes of the study into
the development of future second tier university library managers
Originality/value – No other study has been published in this area for over ten years and very little
has taken place before then. It is also the first cross-national investigation on second tier roles.
Keywords University libraries, Library management,Australia, United Kingdom,Middle managers
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
In recent years there have been massive changes in universities and their libraries
around the world. Funding has become more restricted as central government finance
is reduced and people are expected to pay for their own tuition. The increasing
availability of electronic information (including e-books and e-journals) has changed
the way scholarship and research is undertaken. In addition, the general impact of
other information and communication technologies (ICT) have significantly changed
the ways in which universities and university libraries operate. Many countries have
witnessed massive increases in the numbers entering higher education. Globalisation
means that many students no longer attend a university in their country of birth.
Various reports such as those produced by the Association of College and Research
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
30,4/5
240
Received 16 October 2008
Accepted 4 November 2008
Library Management
Vol. 30 No. 4/5, 2009
pp. 240-252
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120910957904
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