3rd Edition

Managing Information Services A Sustainable Approach

By Jo Bryson Copyright 2011

    This third edition of Jo Bryson's highly regarded Managing Information Services has been thoroughly revised with an emphasis on managing for a sustainable future. Libraries and information services face uncertain times and this new edition tackles the challenges of planning and managing change, future-proofing for tomorrow, and leading the transformation to a sustainable future. The text also addresses the integration of information services including librarianship, records management and ICT. Essential reading for information students, this text also serves as a comprehensive and detailed reference on the key management topics for information service managers.

    Contents: Preface; Part I Management Influences in a Changing Landscape: Managing in an uncertain world; Strategic influences. Part II Strategy and Planning: Strategic planning: positioning for a sustainable future; Attracting and retaining talented people in challenging times; Ensuring value for money and enabling a cost-sustainable future; Knowledge and information management - a key to survival; Strategic technology and asset management - a smarter approach. Part III Leadership and Innovation: Leadership; Utilizing a values-driven culture for sustainability; Innovation and creativity; Engaging change in positioning for the future; Group dynamics and team building; Effective negotiation and conflict management; Managing the political arena; Policy making; Personal communication and networking; Managing yourself and others in challenging times. Part IV Governance and Social Responsibility: Ensuring good corporate governance; Using authority and influence; Encouraging transparency; Managing for sustainability; Managing risk; Sustaining trust and continued operations; Evaluating benefits and performance. Part V Customer and Market Focus: Competitive strategies; Corporate image and communications; Ensuring service quality. Part VI Success and Sustainability: Bringing it all together. Index.

    Biography

    Jo Bryson is a senior management consultant and international speaker in strategy and planning. Her current consulting role involves assisting Chief Executive Officers lead, transform and change the strategic direction of their organizations. Previously Jo held senior management positions in the library, information and IT sectors at state and international government levels. .

    'The book is highly recommended because of its composition of topics, its original coverage and clarity of prose. I do think it will serve people working in the information business very well as both a handbook and as a source for inspiration. It will also work very well as a textbook - especially if students are able to use the text as a source for formulating further questions and problems. Anyway, it is a book one will return to because of its definitions, coverage of present issues and its sound approach.' Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 44 (2), June 2012 Acclaim for previous editions:- 'Management is often considered to be a "dry" topic, and it is a pleasure to read a text book which from the outset establishes the need for dynamism, energy, vitality, inspiration, innovation and transformation. The book therefore describes itself - a textbook to meet the challenges that face managers in a diverse and changing profession... It is crammed with useful management tools and approaches and would be a useful addition to any information manager's bookshelf.' New Library World, Vol 108 No 5/6 2007 'This is an excellent textbook. It provides a clear conceptual overview of each topic which can be supplemented by further reading. The liberal use of headings and subheadings makes it easy to navigate. There is also an index to complement the book's logical and transparent structure. It is highly recommended as an introduction to management and leadership for its intended audience of those in the information services area and is of value for the wider services sector.' Australian Library Journal, February 2008 '... the 2nd edition of Jo Bryson's work on managing information services definitely belongs to must-read books for LIS professionals, especially those in managerial positions of various levels.' Journal of Documentation, Vol 65, No 5, 2009 '... a stimulating and thought-provoking fresh look at the bigger strategic issues that lie at the heart of managing sustainable services.' Library and Information Research, Vol 35, No 111, 2011