TITLE: Conflict Management For Libraries: Strategies for a Positive, Productive Workplace AUTHOR: Jack G. Montgomery and Eleanor I. Cook
STARTED: July 18, 2011
FINISHED: August 22, 2011
PAGES: 208
GENRE: Library Science
FIRST SENTENCE: When we were first approached regarding the possibility of writing a book about organizational conflict in libraries, we asked ourselves, Why is this book necessary?
SUMMARY: [From the back of the book
] Libraries are not immune to workplace stress and conflict. In a broad research survey conducted over three years, expert authors Montgomery and Cook asked, "What are the common causes of workplace conflicts in libraries?" From the results of the study, as well as formal and informal observations, the authors have developed seventeen scenarios of library workplace conflict, along with realistic ways to manage them. Drawing on these stories from the trenches, they share a balanced perspective to help reconcile even the stickiest situation.An array of tools are offered to here to create a positive worrking environment, helping staff stay on track to achieve goals and live the mission of the library. The authors also provide crucial tips for anticipating and managing problems, and understanding the roots of conflict that typically arise every day in libraries.
Administrators, directors, managers, and supervisors in any library setting will find a valuable framework for understanding, interpreting, and defusing workplace conflicts using these library-specific examples.
THOUGHTS: I wanted this book to be better than it was. It's not bad, it's just not as useful as it could be. The bulk of the book is composed of fictionalized case studies which are presented and the analyzed. That structure is good in theory, but it makes the lessons of how to handle office conflict more obtuse. I think the authors point would have been better presented if they discussed the types of conflicts, why/how they arise, and how to handle each situation.
The negatives aside, the content of the book, on was generally useful. When the authors were more straightforward (and less story-telly), the information was well presented, useful, and complete in scope. I appreciated that Montgomery and Cook took the time to layout out why conflict occurs and why we must correct these issues. It's about time somebody said, "Stop ignoring things and fix them already."
I do wonder if the author's worried about getting sued. They are not offering legal advice (and even mention that several times), so many of their responses to conflict seem a bit weak. Can't say I blame them for hedging their bets.
This book is not perfect, but its better than nothing. Too often we bury our head in the sand, and this book forces the reader to take a look at their own office environment.
RATING: 6/10 [Good]
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