Developing Library Leaders

How can you successfully lead your library through the changes taking place in today's transitional information environment? What skills must you develop or hone in order to build a confident, comfortable, and capable staff in your institution? In their highly practical new How-To-Do-It Manual, authors Robert D. Stueart, the former Dean Emeritus of Simmons College's Graduate School of Library and Information Science and Maureen Sullivan, a leadership expert with over thirty years experience delivering consulting and training services to libraries and other information services, will help you identify the essential concepts and goals behind great leadership, and effectively implement each one into your library's organizational structure. Featured Review "This book should be required reading for both new librarians as well as those already in leadership positions. Its straightforward style and excellent organization make for fascinating and informative reading. Particularly useful are the sidebars, figures, and thought-provoking questions and exercises scattered throughout the text. A new librarian would be wise to use this work to plan for the future, and an established leader will find it a valuable tool in establishing a framework for effective development of future leaders." Journal of the Medical Library Association, July 2011 Read More.... Developing Library Leaders covers key strategies and processes for coaching, team building, and mentoring library staff. Following a foreword from James G. Neal, (Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian, Columbia University) the authors clearly define the major roles and responsibilities of a library leader and offer valuable techniques for persuading and influencing others, building and leading teams and groups, and managing projects. There is step-by-step guidance for developing crucial coaching and mentoring skills, as well as tips for succession planning and facilitating long-term development. Throughout the book, Stueart and Sullivan provide ample models, outlines, examples, and charts for further guidance and to reinforce the practical use of key strategies. The generations-old adage that "leaders are born not bred" is a myth; it is now commonly accepted that leadership is a skill that can be developed. Stueart and Sullivan show current and future library directors and managers how to develop their institutions' most valuable asset - their staff- and better prepare them to lead.