Leadership Basics for Librarians and Information Professionals

With the start of the 21st Century, information services around the world are facing a host of challenges and changes unique to this era of exponential technological growth. However, this change is further compounded by the high turnover rate in senior positions. Focusing on leadership, this text-ideal for young, emerging managers and supervisors-guides future leaders in making the appropriate choices and decisions in response to and in anticipation of the competition. Authors G. Edward Evans and Patricia Layzell Ward's vast professional experience in a variety of roles and organizations all over the world serves as a strong basis for the advice presented. Leadership Basics for Librarians and Information Professionals includes data from surveys and interviews of leaders in archives, libraries, and other information services arenas, as well as current literature on leadership from both general management and information services fields. All together this book is a solid starting point for young librarians and information professionals seeking to get ahead of the competition, as well as a helpful reminder for seasoned leaders needing a bit of inspiration.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface Part 1: Background 1 Thinking about Leadership 2 Leadership: Past, Present, and Future 3 Developing your Leadership Abilities Part 2: Developing Leadership Skills 4 Creating a High-Performing Team 5 Honing Political Skills 6 Thinking and Acting Strategically 7 E-Leadership Part 3: The Experience of Leadership 8 It Isn't Always Easy 9 Crucial Success Factors Index About the Authors

About the Author :
G. Edward Evans recently retired from the position of University Librarian at Loyola Marymount University and currently is the librarian of the Harold S. Colton Memorial Library and Archives at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Patricia Layzell Ward is former Director of the Centre for Library and Information management at Loughborough University and currently is Honorary Archivist to the Festiniog Railway Company.

Review :
This is a very useful and well-done work....This is a must-have book for any library science library. This book will be a worthwhile purchase, enabling prospective leaders to prepare for the challenge or decide that it is not for them and helping current leaders to become more effective. An extensive collection of valuable research and recommendations. ... inspirational. The authors...provide a wealth of valuable research and recommendations on the subject of leadership....enlightening and thought-provoking....a valuable addition to the manager's bookshelf. New and current leaders will gain insight into how to lead effectively and find practical advice for meeting today's challenges in providing information service. Libraries face challenges due to retiring information professionals and competition from online information services. Drawing on data collected from their 2004-2005 survey and interviews with leaders in libraries, archives, and other information services, Evans (librarian, Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff) and Ward (archivist in Wales) present information to support those moving into leadership roles, especially in smaller services lacking training opportunities. Chapters covering the basics and success factors of traditional and post-9/11 approaches to leadership/e-leadership include tips, pitfalls, quotes, checklists, and exercises. It is refreshing to see a book that brings together the viewpoints on leadership from all sectors, while still keeping a focus on the specific leadership skills required in libraries....This is an excellent book and a useful tool for developing a library collection using the comprehensive reference lists and recommended reading. In comparison to other library management titles, I found this to have a much more practical approach to leadership, with strategies that can be easily applied and changes that one can start putting into practice immediately. This book will not only help those embarking on a leadership role but also provide insights and stimulus to those who have been in such positions for many years. Evans and Ward have provided a highly readable, sensible and useful text relevant to both student and practitioner alike, with a real basis in practical applications.