This is the first qualitative phenomenological study to investigate the state of leadership in Saudi libraries. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 library leaders or section heads in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Library leadership was found to be strongly associated with management skills, visionary thinking, teamwork, and…

Though research into academic library director leadership has established leadership skills and qualities required for success, little research has been done to establish where in their career library directors were most likely to acquire those skills and qualities. This research project surveyed academic library directors at Carnegie-designated…

The qualities of strong leadership and their applications in library administration are discussed in terms of Shakespeare's "Henry V." It is argued that, unlike the checklists found in management literature, timeless classic texts embody leadership qualities, dynamically illustrating their relevance and applicability. (10 references) (EA)

Describes a survey that evaluated time management practices among directors of large academic libraries. Factors such as the ability to delegate authority, leadership style, and the most common time wasters are discussed, and topics are suggested for further research. (19 references) (Author/CLB)

A personnel appraisal tool was developed at the Iowa State University Library for professionals supervised by the Assistant Director for Technical Services and the Head of the Monographs Department, to evaluate both their supervisors' performance and the appraisal review as an educational tool to improve administrator performance. A Technical…

Applies the ideas of Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline; The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization" to leadership in academic libraries in transformation. Systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, building shared vision, and team learning are discussed; and current limitations of organizations are identified. (EAM)

Examines the role of the collection development leader in today's academic library and provides a framework for leadership utilizing the concepts of shared vision and mission, teaching and learning, and stewardship. Content management leadership requires that leaders be exceptional listeners and subject to the same need to continually learn.…

This discussion of the nature and role of communication skills in implementing job responsibilities of librarians and information specialists argues that the most important foundation of effective library leadership is communication. The paper begins by reviewing the literature on leadership and developing a set of leadership characteristics. It…

Examines the leadership potential of female librarians at university libraries in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. Questionnaires elicited information about motivating strategies, team building attitudes, leadership attitudes and potential, and evidence of discrimination against women. Results indicate that female librarians are effective…

Based on the premise that senior staff or high-level managers have the knowledge and experience required to make daily decisions and also have a degree of power and respect, this document proposes that these managers are in a position to be effective leaders who can and should foster an atmosphere of receptiveness for innovation and positive…

This paper discusses the central role of effective communication in library leadership and how a leadership role in the library and information community can define and help establish an information infrastructure in our society. The opportunity for this leadership to exist in the convergence of libraries and computer centers is examined in a…

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…

Findings of study comparing first career, second career, and alternative career academic librarians using two tests measuring personality and leadership characteristics indicate that there are no differences among the three groups that might make one more capable managerially than another. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

This paper begins by discussing the need for strong leadership in libraries to create adaptable organizations and to involve employees in the management process. The attributes of the new library leaders who can reach these goals are then discussed. It is suggested that they must: (1) be excellent communicators of values, goals, and new…

Based on experiences at Brandeis University libraries, and findings from management literature, a discussion (with figures) is presented on the challenges faced by libraries in integrating technology and information services. Reviews reasons why change is needed, examines information services as a team-based approach, and presents management…