Theory, research and practice in library management 1: Flexibility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of flexibility as it applies to libraries./methodology/approach – Specific cases are from the literature introduced where libraries introduced aspects of flexibility. Lessons that can be learned from other sectors regarding are also presented. – There are three central themes for libraries to address when considering the various and research around flexibility: importance of management, human resources issues and the to know the user. Flexibility has to be managed proactively as a concept in libraries./value – The paper provides food for thought for library practitioners in the use of in an increasingly uncertain world.