A Leadership Primer for New Librarians

Summary This book provides strategies and practical tips for leadership development in the field of librarianship. With the increase of both new graduates entering the field and upcoming retirements, there is a foreseeable gap in library leadership. Many early-career librarians will move into roles they are not ready for and others will find themselves having to lead without being in traditional leadership roles. This book offers suggestions for librarians facing these challenging new circumstances. The book shows how to create leadership opportunities when none appear to be present, how to take charge of your own professional development, and how to become an effective follower as well as an effective leader. The book helps the reader to recognize and take advantage of the leadership opportunities set before them. Key Features Defines effective leadership and followership for early-career librarians Includes stories of common experiences turned into leadership development opportunities Identifies and addresses the need for leadership development in early-career information professionals Includes a toolbox of suggestions and tips which will help one to distinguish oneself as a leader Discusses professional development opportunities available to early-career librarians with or without institutional funding Discusses generational issues facing librarians and other information professionals and offers tips on how to overcome these challenges The Authors Suzanne Byke is the Undergraduate Programs Librarian at Florida State University. Together with Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen, Suzanne is building an innovative and dynamic department with services and programs targeting the burgeoning undergraduate population of Florida State University. Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen is the Undergraduate Information Services Librarian at Florida State University. She was previously the Co-ordinator for Assessment and Staff Development at FSU. She graduated from Louisiana State University with her MLIS in 2003. She co-authored Following to the Top and Leading from the Bottom with Suzanne Byke for the ALIA New Librarian Symposium in Sydney, Australia 2006. Readership Students of Library and Information Science Early-career professionals in Library and Information Sciences Current library leaders and library administration Library and Information Science teaching faculty LIS researchers Contents Introduction What you didnt learn in your LIS program Becoming a leader even if you arent in a leadership position Why follower isnt a dirty word Setting yourself apart Self promotion The next steps The Toolbox