Abstract
Our study examines the results of 114 interviews with academic, public, school media, and special library administrators collected over a one-year period in North Carolina. Preliminary results suggest that there is a core set of traits shared by administrators across libraries although some variation occurs depending on library environment. Implications center on the ability to inform degree preparation programs and practice by identifying primary qualities of library administration in general and specific to academic, public, school library, and special libraries.
Highlights
Leaders play a pivotal part in the success or failure of their team, group, or organization
The underlying question that served as the foundation for this study was the pervasive question of “is what is being taught in my graduate LIS course of significance and relevance to students who will be future practitioners in the field?” One of the best ways to answer this question was to ask current administrators in the field
When analyzing the responses of library administrators along with previous studies reported in the literature, a picture can be painted of the ideal qualities required of library administrators; knowledge of these qualities can inform how well LIS programs prepare the future leaders of the field
Summary
Describe the administrator you interviewed and the organization they are leading C. What are their organizational goals, how are they organized (departments, functions, etc.), and who are the stakeholders they are serving?. Explain the 1/3rd rule to them – how well does this fit within their leadership rubric and what they do on a day-to-day basis? D. What are his/her definitions of leadership and management?. Answers to Your Top Five Questions A Ask your administrator their opinion of your top 5 questions B. Ask them any other context specific questions not answered: a. What does it take to run your (academic, public, school) library?. What are the most frequently occurring problems she/he has to deal with (i.e. personnel, weeding the collection, budget, disagreeable patrons, etc.)?
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