Book Description

Critical management studies (CMS) research began to emerge in the early 90s as some scholars recognized the oppressive and problematic management practices in the public and private sectors. Since then, CMS scholars have been critiquing dominant ideologies (e.g., managerialism, capitalism) that harm society and oppress workers. CMS scholars have also been exploring ways to redress management education such as re-designing curricula in management schools to include decolonial, feminist, and/or critical theories and concepts to name a few. Critical Management Studies and Librarianship unpacks current library management education and practices driven by the business, management, and organizational studies field through a critical lens. The book begins with an introduction to CMS and its relevance to libraries. The second section of the book offers insights from library professionals into how management education and practices rooted in current dominant ideologies impact work culture, and professional practice. The third section introduces inclusive leadership approaches that focus on equity and social justice and should be considered when designing library leadership programs. The aims of this book are to identify the oppressive logic of current library management practices and offer counter perspectives on ways to teach and frame library leadership.