Lean Library Management

Huber (J. Huber & Assoc.), a management consultant who has helped organizations improve customer service by increasing what is known as "process performance," now applies his methods to libraries by providing cost-effective means for improving library services through increasing efficiency and cutting waste. Using his "Lean" concept, Huber includes 11 strategies for improving the flow of work at libraries to serve patrons faster and with fewer errors. The concepts include how libraries can measure themselves against their competitors, why organizations resist change and how to overcome the resistance, the realization that a library is not made up of separate departments but is rather a series of interconnected service chains, addressing problems with hold/reserves services, information on becoming "Lean," case examples from several libraries, and more. Appendixes supply additional "Lean" tools along with helpful advice on good communication skills.