Growing next generation library managers: are new librarians reluctant to step into management? are new librarians reluctant to step into management?

Much has been written about the “greying” of the library profession and the need
for comprehensive workforce planning in the face of significant retirement. Recent publications have suggested that new librarians are reluctant to take on leadership and management roles within libraries. Some of the reasons outlined for this reluctance include negative perceptions of current library managers and the desire to achieve satisfactory work-life balance. As libraries face the challenge of workforce retirement, particularly at a senior level, it is vital that strategies are put in place to encourage librarians to take the next step into management.

This paper will test the assumption that newer librarians are reluctant to move
into management positions through surveys and interviews of librarians who have
graduated within the last ten years. The data collected will establish whether this
reluctance exists and if so, why. The authors will outline a number of strategies
for ensuring a positive view of management is promoted and modelled within the
library industry.

The paper will also report on the Stepping into Management Program, a strategy
developed in Western Australia, to encourage younger librarians to aspire to
management positions.