University of Manchester library boss accused of ‘domineering’ management

The boss of a University of Manchester library has faced concerns from staff members about his behaviour and management.

The Times reported that over 20 members of staff at the institution have added their names to grievance complaints against Christopher Pressler regarding his “domineering” management style.

This comes after he announced a reorganisation of the John Ryland Library structure, that would add the role of head of special collections to his existing titles within the organisation.

The university-owned building is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, known not only for it’s neo-gothic beauty, but also for the vast collection of rare archives housed there.

Christopher Pressler, 52, was appointed director of the institute and university librarian in 2019, having previously faced controversy in his prior role at the University of London. A plan to sell Shakespeare folios through an auction house he had personal connections to saw him step down from the position.

It is alleged that he is making a “power grab” for the resources, and build his “pet project”, the British Pop Archive. In a staff meeting last summer, he discussed plans for a permanent home for the archive and negotiations with “VIPs” to acquire further archives.

An insider told The Times that: “Colleagues who are increasingly concerned at his behaviour have faced stern treatment when they make any form of challenge. Several staff have left and he is currently facing formal grievances.”

Another claimed that staff were concerned about a lack of transparency in how much the library is paying for new acquisitions.

In a statement, a University of Manchester spokesperson said that:“We always investigate grievances under our established process.

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“In this case it was independently investigated and not upheld. As is the case for all staff, Professor Pressler’s expenses are subject to our policies and signed off by his line manager.