Manage This

Howard County Library announced today that their new Central Branch Manager is Nina Krzysko formally the branch manager at their East Columbia location. First of all congratulations to Nina. Job well deserved.

So why is this big news? Is it because she turned the East Columbia branch around and made it something to be proud of? Is it because she has innovative and creative ideas when it comes to displays, handling communication with staff and dealing with customer service? No, none of that really makes this a hot topic (although they are commendable). What does is the fact that Nina does not have a MLS. *GASP*

I applaud the library and it’s decision to hire a MANAGER not the “top” librarian for this position. Again I’m not trying devalue anyones degree here but just point out that a managerial position is best served by a manager (regardless of the degrees they have) . Nina has plenty of managerial experience from years of retail (Woodward and Lothrop, Bloomingdales), years as manager of our support services and as manager of the East Columbia branch.

Nina sees her role as a manager “to support my staff – they are the experts“. Funny isn’t that exactly what a manager is suppose to do?

Again congratulations to Nina and I look forward to working with you here at Central.