Summary

Anyone wishing to be a successful supervisor must learn the interpersonal skills of communication, assertiveness and motivation in order to build a successful team with a positive ethos. This book provides a practical guide to supervisory skills for team leaders and supervisors in library and information work. Although reference is made to relevant management concepts, its strength is that it translates theory into practice, and the focus is decidedly on the latter. This is very much a 'how to' guide for anyone wishing to develop a supervisory role in an ILS context. Each topic is covered in a practical and down-to-earth manner, and is illustrated by examples and case studies from different types of ILS. The text also offers self-assessment audits and other activities to enable the reader to relate the tools and techniques to their own work situation. Key topics covered are: the role of team leader in ILS; leading and managing the team; confident leadership and supervision; the psychology of motivation; managing the work; communication skills; managing and leading complex teams; human resource management; workplace learning and training; and, personal and professional development. This is an essential tool for new and aspiring supervisors and team leaders in ILS, and for more experienced supervisors who wish to dip into it to refresh their approach. It will also be of great value to ILS students.