Personal controlling as a management tool for library staff in the example of selected Polish libraries

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this essay is to present the possibility of applying personal controlling as a tool used in library staff management.

Design/methodology/approach

The studies involved analyze the strong and weak points of human resources (SWOT). Motivational system, promotion opportunities, wage policy, staff's qualification usage, training system and rationalization of employment in the various sectors, the level of satisfaction, work conditions, absenteeism and crew's fluency – were all taken into account during researches.

Findings

Based on the survey it is possible to identify the strong and the weak points, opportunities and threats existing in the library, and thus eliminate accidental events and steer the activities in the future. The possibility of controlling usage in the libraries optimizes exploitation of owned human resources and contributes to the achievement of the library's purposes.

Practical implications

Weak points of actions and functioning of the library's crew create vicissitudes for librarians. Libraries' management should seek to acquire financial funds or material rewards, aiming at the modification of adopted rules and receipt of bonuses. The noticed and appreciated employee may feel fulfilled and may identify with the purposes of the entire library and would be motivated, and thus may raise the quality of services provided by the library.

Originality/value

The paper describes the first attempts at controlling the implementation of personnel in Polish libraries.

Citation

Laskowska, J. (2011), "Personal controlling as a management tool for library staff in the example of selected Polish libraries", Library Management, Vol. 32 No. 6/7, pp. 457-468. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121111158592