Encyclopaedia of Library Administration

It would appear an obvious truism to declare the college librarian should have the qualities of a good administrator; yet so important are the librarian's instructional relations to the faculty that this requirement is not so generally nor so permanently borne in mind as it should be. Dr. Harvie Branscomb correctly states that the administrative problems of the university librarian are more complex, but it must be stressed that so far as the realities of college library work are concerned, one of the best services of the librarian is to be a good administrator and leader in the library. It is essential that the librarian assume a large measure of administrative responsibility, including the supervision of the staff, the proper budgeting and expenditure of library funds, and the oversight of the library building. These functions require frequent consultations and close relationships with the president, the business officers, and department heads, and the librarian must impress them with his sound business judgement and innate ability to manage the library's affairs. He must also hold the confidence of the library staff by his ability to develop a systematic organization of library work, to conduct the many types of Tans actions involving the administration and faculty, and to administer personnel, budgets, and services in a satisfactory manner. It is hoped that his book will not only meet the requirements of students but will also be useful as a guide to the academic professionals.