This paper focuses on issues related to library personnel in the British academic library. A background discussion on staff salaries, decreases in funding and increases in availability of information in more electronic formats, and the print culture and the electronic library leads to a statement of the need for increased information technology skills and training. Discussion then moves to experiences of the University of Exeter (England) in assessing library staff in order to qualify for a government-introduced award called Investors in People. An anonymous questionnaire administered to all staff and interviews with a representative sample of staff were conducted. The principles of assessment were four, each breaking down into a number of indicators, each of which in turn needed to be satisfied to earn the award. The following had to be demonstrated: commitment, planning, action, and evaluation. The overall results showed the levels of anxiety and confusion that could be expected from a traditional organization forced into restructuring and facing the unpredictabilities of change. The British library organizations such as SCONUL (Standing Conference of National and University Libraries) are increasingly aware of the lack of professional training focused on becoming, or being, a director. (AEF)