Academic library leadership in the dawn of the new millennium: a systematic literature review

Abstract

This study was conducted to systematically collect and analyze the literature on academic library leaders focusing on the challenges faced by them, the set of skills needed to overcome these challenges, and ways for them to develop these leadership skills. A systematic literature review was conducted of the relevant studies published in the first two decades of the 21st century by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five major scholarly databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), and Google Scholar) were searched for the relevant literature. It was found that rapid change, primarily a consequence of rapid technological innovation, continued to present a fundamental challenge for the profession. It emerged that library leaders needed to be visionary and innovative with effective communication and social skills to encourage a collaborative and agile culture in academic institutions. It was also found that the development of library leadership skills has been a comparatively neglected area in the library profession especially for junior and mid-career library professionals.