dynamic leadership and management of libraries/learning commons
TRANSCRIPT
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF LIBRARIES/LEARNING COMMONSby Ana Maria B. Fresnido, DLSU [email protected]
Managing Today’s Learning Commons: Re-skilling Seminar for Information Professionals20-22 September 2016Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City
MAJOR CHALLENGES OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY LEADERSHIP
demonstrate the library vaues to the university community
operate the library under fiscal uncertainty
retrofit outdated library facilities to accommodate new services
strike a balance between digital and print materials
keep the library staff trained and current
Binh, P.L. (2015)
LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC LIBRARY LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
Attributes SourceCollaboration skills Binh, P.L. Communication skills Binh, P.L. Chow, A.S. & Rich,
M.Creativity Chow, A.S. & Rich,
MDelegation Chow, A.S. & Rich,
MEmpathy Chow, A.S. & Rich,
MFlexibility Chow, A.S. & Rich,
MIntegrity Binh, P.L. Chow, A.S. & Rich,
MManagement skills Binh, P.L. Passion Chow, A.S. & Rich,
MVision Binh, P.L. Chow, A.S. & Rich,
M
VISIONBe a visionaryUnderstand the library and university environment and articulate a vision based on them. Conduct constant environmental scanning
Set a clear direction
Take strategic actionPersuade and guide others to a strategic vision and the goals and objectives
MY VISION– A WORLD CLASS LIBRARY
THE STAFFTHEN NOW
THE SERVICE
THE LIBRARY BUILDINGTHEN NOW
THE PROGRAMS
INTEGRITYBe honest – sharing information and transparencyBe trustworthy – treat people fairlyBe a thought-leader (authoritative and influential)Have integrity/honesty/trustworthiness/authenticityBe responsible steward of financial, human, and tangible (facilities and collections) resources
THE IDEAL LEADER
COMMUNICATION SKILLSHave excellent communication skills (oral and written)Be a good listenerListen more and talk less
Be willing to accept criticismHave good negotiation skills
MANAGEMENT SKILLSGood management skills (personnel management, budgeting, time management, planning, etc.)Apply business concepts and practices to improve library experience
Make difficult decisions about core mission and priorities within the libraryPresence – be the face of the library and share this role with other library staffMonitor the trends and predict their impact on the library
GOOD MANAGEMENT SKILLS
BUSINESS CONCEPT APPLIED TO LIBRARIES --THE ONE-STOP SHOP CONCEPT
DIFFICULT DECISIONS
THE FACE OF THE DLSU LIBRARIES
TREND – NAPPING STATION
COLLABORATION
Collaborate
Build collaborative relationships to
leverage institutional resources to advance the
library
Have the ability to seek out partners and to collaborate
Build teams – internal and
external collaboration
Have a consultative approach,
including the ability to work well
with others
CONSORTIA AND LINKAGES AUNILO, Libraries of ASEAN University Network South Manila Educational Consortium in the Philippines American Corners European Studies Consortium Inter-University Consortium CEAP Consortium of Engineering Libraries, Philippines (CELPh) DOST-ESEP
LIBRARY COMMITTEESBibliographic
Control
Public Programs and Events/Facilities Management
Information Literacy
Collection Development
Community Engagement
Internship (on-the-job
training)/Staff Development
Knowledge Management
Information Communication Technologies
(ICT)
Project Monitoring Accreditation Facilites
INTERNAL-EXTERNAL PARTNERS FOR THE OUTREACH PROGRAM
De La Salle Philippines (DLSP), Library Committee•De La Salle Philippines is committed to building up educational communities that demonstrate commitment to young people, especially those who are poor, by providing them with access to a human and Christian education that enables them to participate in the transformation of society.
National Library of the Philippines. Children’s Library•The Children's Library promotes the importance and enjoyment of reading to the Filipino children and young adults. [Activities carried out include the following]: storytelling, read aloud, puppet shows, arts and crafts, films showing, Kidsmart Program (Computer software), educational tour, and outreach program
The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines•a non-profit, national human rights organization concerned with documenting human rights violations, assisting the victims and their families in their material and legal needs, and conducting human rights education work.
Linguistic Society of the Philippines•An organization that rallies for the development of Philippine linguistic research and its contribution to the wider global academic community.
EMPATHY
• Ability to balance head and heart• Focus on maintaining a positive
environment• Helping people reach their potential as
professionals• Operating as a “people person” with a
“kind heart”
Compassionate with the staff
EMPATHY
• Being sensitive to the needs of the community
• Showing respect for all people regardless of socio economic status
• Good sense of humor
Empathy towards patrons
FLEXIBILITYBe open to change, not too rigid
Remain versatile
Commit to lifelong learning
Stay current with existing and new trends
Be approachable and committed to customersBe prepared to do something completely different than what was planned to accommodate patrons with flexibility and humility
DELEGATION
Recognize different areas of
responsibility, delegate
appropriately
Be comfortable with your role, not
threatened; let others use their
talents
CREATIVITYTry new things
Take risks
Continue learning
Solve problems creatively
REDUCED SERVICE COUNTERS; INTRODUCE SELF-SERVICE
Self check-out machine Self–service printing
Benefits• Maximized staff time• Saved on the cost of constructing new/additional counters• Reduced paper waste• Reduced complaints• Introduce new trend (i.e. self-service)
Self–service photocopying(in the pipeline)
ACQUIRING THE NEEDED SKILLS
MENTORSHIPBeing mentored by other leaders
Finding a mentor who has the skills you seek
Talking to other leaders, engaging in discussion, and learning from them
Observing leaders who you feel are particularly effective, either in the library or elsewhere
Identifying what characteristics make this person an effective leader and assessing yourself for those characteristics
SUCCESSION PLANNING
Christine M. AbrigoAsst. Director for Operations
Marian R. EcleviaAsst. Director for Support Services
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTFocus on learning how to be a better leader
Participate in leadership programs Pursue other advance degrees (MBA, EdD, PhD)
Participate in webinars, conference sessions, etc.
Be a student of the leadership literature
APPRENTICESHIPHave experience – e.g. working in more than one institution
Experiment – try something new
Practice “mindful leadership” – be focused and thoughtful
Get out of your comfort zone
Practice – deal with difficult question involving human resource, budget, strategic planning, etc.
JOB ROTATION
LEADERSHIP ROLESSeek leadership
roles, especially on campus
Be active in professional
organizations
Pursue leadership roles within the
library for internal projects or initiatives
Look for opportunities to
lead in professional
organizations
Offer service to the college in the form of committee
work or by assisting student
groups
SELF-AWARENESSDevelop a personal mission and value statement (your priorities and core beliefs) as well as a clear sense of WHY
Be self-aware and reflective
Share your thoughts with colleagues and supervisors, assess how those ideas and thoughts are received, and determine if you need to modify or change your manner of presenting yourselfConsult experts (e.g. management coach)
Submit to a 360 leadership evaluation to get honest feedback from staff on the quality of leadership
REFERENCESBinh, P. L. (2015). Academic library leadership in the digital age. Library Management, Vol. 36 Iss 4/5, pp. 300-314
Chow, A.S. & Rich, M. (2013). The ideal qualities and tasks of library leaders: perspectives of academic, public, school, and special library administrators. Library Leadership & Management, Vol. 27 Iss ½, pp. 1-24.