Book Review: Leading and Managing Archives and Records Programs

American academic and educator, Bruce Dearstyne, well known for his work in leadership and archives, compiled and edited this volume of essays in support of the thesis that archives and records programs will benefit from the integration of leadership and management principles and practices: "Archives and records program managers clearly need to develop and apply leadership skills to succeed in their work," (p.292).Dearstyne selected thirteen seasoned professionals to author the personal essays for this volume.Two Brits and eleven Americans, including Edie Hedlin, former Director of the Smithsonian Institution Archives; Phil Mooney, Director of the Archives Department of the Coca-Cola Company; and Mark Greene, Director of the American Heritage Centre at the University of Wyoming, write about their personal experiences, good, bad and ugly, as managers of archives and records programs in a wide variety of settings ranging from private industry, government and cultural institutions to financial services firms.These are not all happy stories of unmitigated success, but fairly clear-eyed assessments of what contributes to the successful development and ongoing viability of vibrant and healthy archives and records programs.The authors offer advice, suggestions, observations, pitfall warnings and ideas for developing and maintaining successful and sustainable programs in a fast changing environment where archives and records units are constantly competing for resources.Each, in their own way, discusses and defines the role of a leader and the need for leadership at all levels.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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