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Massis, B. E. (2003). The Practical Library Manager. New York: Haworth Press. 149 p. $34.95. [ISBN: 0789017652]

Management is management, right? Bruce Massis, a veteran of library administration, acknowledges this, but his easily readable book is more than a book about management. It is a primer for those new to library leadership, whether public, academic or special. The author contends most library and information science programs do not afford students opportunities to prepare for administrative positions. In an attempt to close the gap, The Practical Library Manager offers some management basics, as well as valuable information on current issues relevant to the profession. Admittedly introductory, Massis places emphasis on the relationship of staff to service, meeting the challenges brought on, not only by technology, but a shift in public expectations of service, and offers a wealth of resources for more information.

The author, who is currently associate director of the library cooperative Southeast Florida Library Network, has written a number of books and articles over the past 20 years on topics ranging from interlibrary loan, serving disabled patrons, and training library staff. He clearly feels strongly about two things: management's responsibility to train staff, and taking necessary steps to meet the challenges brought about by change.

The first six chapters, approximately a third of the book, are devoted to a detailed analysis of why staff training programs are important and what it takes to develop them. A management book that calls attention to the importance of employees in an organization could be just another trendy book on team management, but this one appeals to common sense. Employees provide the service that is the foundation of the organization and need to be trained in order to provide quality service. The author addresses core competencies for staff, significant when debating the value of the profession. The impact of technology, evident by recent legislation and ongoing political discussion, is neatly synopsized and given the weight it deserves. Massis shows an appreciation for the overwhelming effects of technology when discussing policy-making. This book is written with an understanding of real world issues.

Chapter 7, titled "Clicks and Bricks", touches on another important topic, libraries with and without walls. While trying to illustrate the need for balancing support and maintenance of physical structures with quality online access, Massis presents information that could be construed as contradictory. Arguing that traditional libraries are strongly supported and financially backed by communities, the author asserts, "for the well-heeled customer, the library is simply the site of last resort for hard-to-find items, current fiction, and a building necessary to support the stability of the community." (p.64). He also implies the value of libraries is shifting, but, unlike the rest of the text, does not give concrete guidance or direction. This sole inconsistency progresses to list a host of resources covering a diverse range of topics from virtual libraries, library consortia, and bottom-line finance and the need for development.

The last chapter is an annotated list of recommended management classics which include I Ching, Emotional Intelligence, and In Search of Excellence. The last 50 pages consist of appendices, chapter notes, an extensive bibliography of books, articles and websites categorized by subject, and an index. Although many of the links were active as of this writing, efforts to access some of them were unsuccessful. Overall, this book is presented in an organized, easy to read format and is a sound introduction to current library issues, and a powerful reference tool. This book would be an excellent investment for someone new to library management, or anyone interested in core library issues at the turn of the 21st century.

Reviewed by Susan Ponischil, Student, Library and Information Science Program, Wayne State University, ponischi@msu.edu

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