There are a number of aspects libraries can learn from the corporate method, especially in the sense of grooming potential new directors. During Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s history of directors, there has been immense dissatisfaction by the staff (from all nineteen branches) as a whole in the past of unexpectedly selecting business-oriented candidates with no library experience from the outside. If there had been overlap or even some indication that potential new directors will exhibit certain qualities, staff will be able to adjust more appropriately. From the standard corporate method of successor planning, libraries can learn how to adapt their potential candidates more fittingly; for example, the next-in-line successor would be given …show more content…
This is especially crucial for outsiders and new individuals coming into the position with fresh ideas, but no prior experience or knowledge of the past dealings. Furthermore, the overlap prevents a large gap of having no leader around, which can prevent a number of problems happening. At my previous library branch, it took three months in between the former manager retiring and the new manager to be hired; not only was there a gap of no secure leadership during the time, staff also had to adjust to someone who had no management experience prior to the job to understand how the job operates for the months following after the hire. The advantages of having an overlap will include the sharing of external and internal knowledge between the two leaders so any misunderstandings can be cleared and information will not be misconstrued. Another advantage would allow the next-in-line leader to see how the former director operated, how he or she treated staff, and how he or she worked with the public. It will be much more evident to see where potential problems may lie or the aspects people truly