Bold Minds: Library Leadership in a Time of Disruption by
Are librarians and libraries relevant in the 21st century? This is a fundamental question and one that presents differing opinions across the many diverse information sectors. If there is a continuing need for libraries and for librarians, then how do library leaders obtain strategic support when there appears to be a lack of clarity or understanding about the very purpose of libraries at a time when economically, libraries are under pressure to develop new business models and be more commercially focused? Bold Minds: Library leadership in a time of disruption brings together international leaders who frame many aspects of the current library provision and who carry responsibility for the library models of the future to consider how librarians and libraries can be a driving force in a time of disruptive economic, technological and cultural change. Each chapter critically presents a short leadership provocation regarding libraries and their purpose, encompassing strategic impact, culture change, engagement, diversity, service delivery, collections, staff skills and professional training and assessing what it means for leaders, their sectors and organisations, and how they have developed their personal leadership signature. This book will be invaluable to library and information professionals in a range of public and private sector libraries as well as policy makers in services where libraries are a component. It will also be useful for students, educational establishments, and IT professionals with an information management element to their work.
Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking for Library Leaders by
Increasingly, more is being asked from library leaders and those who aspire to join their ranks. As the use of libraries changes, leaders need to improve their emotional intelligence and critical thinking in order to attract and retain users. Focused on practical management advice, this is an engaging discussion of how library leaders can grow in their role. Detailing 25 emotional intelligence traits library leaders and others rely on most, expert author Gary L. Shaffer explores how critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence overlap, and how we can utilise them to improve. Looking across decision-making, problem-solving, critical writing, and creative thinking, Shaffer includes four case studies, each relating to both emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. With real-world evidence and practical advice, the case studies show us how four library leaders used these traits and skills to tackle major real-world problems and issues. Finally, Shaffer suggests three leadership styles we can adopt to improve our emotional intelligence. The first book in a new series of library leadership and management books, Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking for Library Leadersis a book of practical solutions based on academically sound research. For library and information science professionals and researchers, this is an unmissable book for those looking to the future of libraries.
Lessons in Library Leadership: A Primer for Library Managers and Unit Leaders by
Lessons in Library Leadership: A Primer for Library Managers and Unit Leaders takes on the topic of management positions within libraries and how many of them are filled by candidates with no formalized training. This lack of preparation often leads to added stress as they scramble to learn how to lead, to formulate departmental goals, to conduct effective assessment, to think and plan strategically, to counsel employees, and much more. This book will serve equally as a primer for librarians new to management and those needing a refresher in basic management concepts. Seasoned managers may also look to this guide as a quick reference resource covering multiple management subjects. The contents of the monograph include basic concepts, real word examples/case studies, and bibliographic information for further management skill development.
Managing the Multigenerational Librarian Workforce by
Managing the Multigenerational Librarian Workforce examines how libraries are undergoing a massive shift in their workforce. As baby boomers retire, an influx of Gen Y and millennials has taken their place. This book presents the differences that generational groups bring to the workforce, along with a working mindset that has been shaped, at least in part, by when they were educated and spent their formative early-career years. For the librarian manager, it is important to understand the needs and perspectives of various generations and the career stages they are in if they are to effectively manage the library.