Leadership in Libraries

Book excerpt: The efforts of ethnic-minority librarians to become leaders in Western libraries are an important topic for any librarian working towards becoming a leader, with issues such as cross-cultural leadership relevant for all aspiring librarians.Leadership in Libraries covers leadership in various areas, provides examples of successful minority leaders in different fields and statistical data on minorities and librarians in several countries. The title probes library school programs and their efforts to develop leadership skills among librarians in general, and among minority librarians in particular. The book begins by introducing the concept of ethnic-minority leadership, moving on in the first chapter to definitions by culture, profession, and gender. The next three chapters consider managers as leaders, leadership styles, skills, and leadership in school, public and academic libraries in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. The final chapter includes instances of bad leadership, and offers a conclusion. - Presents information on learning and developing leadership skills - Assesses current and relevant statistical data on minority librarians in Canada, US and UK - Explores information on leadership related courses offered in library schools