Discusses the positive effects that can be attained in a library when senior management successfully supports library directors, and the importance of understanding the director's role and management style in order to increase his or her effectiveness. (CLB)

Examines the position of assistant/associate director (A/AD) in libraries and information services. Interpersonal, informational, and decisional responsibilities of the A/AD are discussed; and leadership qualities are described in the areas of vision, communication skills, organizational learning, empowerment of others, and integrity. (30…

Reports on a survey that examined the perceptions of public library directors in North Carolina regarding the reasons their subordinates (i.e., nondirectors) participate in continuing education activities. Results are compared with those of an earlier survey of nondirectors that identified four motivational factors--professional competence, patron…

Considers the challenge of leading a research library that is between directors. Discusses issues involved in the transitional period of "acting" directorship. Outlines recommendations for acting directors: seek advice; negotiate well in the beginning; consider the staff; state an objective; build consensus; and consider cautiously the candidacy…

Explores the distinguishing characteristics of the liberal arts college and their meanings for the library director. Telephone interviews with nine liberal arts college library directors who had significant previous experience in a research university library focused on their expectations, what they liked/disliked most about the position, and what…

Academic libraries, like many consumer businesses in the "for-profit sector," may expect to experience discomfort as they embark on a transition stage between old and new ways of operating. The challenge for academic library directors is to successfully navigate challenges of implementing performance-based pay concepts and cultural…

Examines the possible impacts and implications of female leadership on the library profession. Demographics, differences between men and women as leaders, characteristics of effective leadership, and changing models of organizations are discussed. (Contains 36 references.) (EAM)

Library literature is examined for patterns for succession to the academic library director's position. A survey of 21 library directors of The Council on State University Libraries was conducted to determine changes. Findings indicate women find it easier to obtain library director positions through external hires; male librarians no longer have…

Explores the evolving paradigm of academic libraries, the impact of this change on the library director's role, and the orientation and qualifications. Reveals that the "post-hierarchical" library will call for a leader who is flexible and innovative, a superb communicator with good analytical skills and deductive and reasoning ability, as well as…

Describes technological and societal changes affecting libraries and advocates for transformational leadership. Strategic planning, creativity, innovation by substitution, intrapreneurs, gender differences, changing metaphors, risk taking, and communication are discussed; and the difference between managers and leaders is explained. (Contains…

Librarians from different types of libraries discuss creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in 17 articles. Some of the areas discussed are: organizational aspects influencing creativity; creativity and leadership; innovation in public and technical services; strategies for developing library support; library and information science…

Reports on a survey of chief academic officers and library directors at over 250 small- and medium-sized private colleges and universities. Responses indicate that institution administrators were aware of new trends in information management but did not recognize library directors' qualifications for broader administrative participation. (11…

Describes one academic library's experiences in developing a new management structure based on teams to cope with increasing internal and external changes. The views of a team leader, team member, a new librarian, and the director are presented, and benefits and problems of the new structure are presented. (Contains 16 references.) (EAM)

Discusses changes in academic libraries shifting from collection-based to access-based measures of effectiveness and considers the role of library administrators as change agents. A competing values framework of organizational and managerial leadership performance is presented, and a user-centered model of organization is discussed. (Contains 13…

Explores the value of Total Quality Management (TQM) for libraries as a management methodology to complement the changing needs of research libraries in light of changing information technology. The planning process for a new academic library which used many TQM elements is described. (EAM)