Leadership Basics for Librarians and Information Professionals [Paperback]

Edward G. Evans (Author), Patricia Layzell Ward (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 6, 2007

With the start of the 21st Century, information services around the world are facing a host of challenges and changes unique to this era of exponential technological growth. However, this change is further compounded by the high turnover rate in senior positions. Focusing on leadership, this text—ideal for young, emerging managers and supervisors—guides future leaders in making the appropriate choices and decisions in response to and in anticipation of the competition.

Authors G. Edward Evans and Patricia Layzell Ward's vast professional experience in a variety of roles and organizations all over the world serves as a strong basis for the advice presented. Leadership Basics for Librarians and Information Professionals includes data from surveys and interviews of leaders in archives, libraries, and other information services arenas, as well as current literature on leadership from both general management and information services fields. All together this book is a solid starting point for young librarians and information professionals seeking to get ahead of the competition, as well as a helpful reminder for seasoned leaders needing a bit of inspiration.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Addressing the host of challenges and changes facing information service professionals in the coming years, Evans and Ward provide an extensive collection of valuable research and recommendations for the current and future leaders. Arranged in three sections, their book offers background followed by an important section on the development of leadership skills and, finally, real-world experiences drawn from survey responses and conversations with colleagues. The writing is thoughtful, well organized, and straightforward. Each chapter opens with a list of items it will cover and closes with a list of references. "Check This Out" boxes scattered throughout the text cite additional readings, and other text boxes contain tips, definitions of terms, and more. Up-and-coming information professionals will gain insight and knowledge from this inspirational work on the art and science of leadership. Awe, Susan

Review

This is a very useful and well-done work....This is a must-have book for any library science library. (Arba, March 2008 )

This book will be a worthwhile purchase, enabling prospective leaders to prepare for the challenge or decide that it is not for them and helping current leaders to become more effective. (College and Research Libraries, Vol. 68, No. 5 (September 2007) )

...an extensive collection of valuable research and recommendations....inspirational... (Booklist, 1 August 2007 )

The authors...provide a wealth of valuable research and recommendations on the subject of leadership....enlightening and thought-provoking....a valuable addition to the manager's bookshelf. (Edward Falcone, Deputy Director, Yonkers Public Library Jlams, Spring 2007 )

New and current leaders will gain insight into how to lead effectively and find practical advice for meeting today's challenges in providing information service. (Laura C. Savastinuk Http://Lisjobs.Com )

Libraries face challenges due to retiring information professionals and competition from online information services. Drawing on data collected from their 2004-2005 survey and interviews with leaders in libraries, archives, and other information services, Evans (librarian, Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff) and Ward (archivist in Wales) present information to support those moving into leadership roles, especially in smaller services lacking training opportunities. Chapters covering the basics and success factors of traditional and post-9/11 approaches to leadership/e-leadership include tips, pitfalls, quotes, checklists, and exercises. (Reference and Research Book News, May 2007 )

It is refreshing to see a book that brings together the viewpoints on leadership from all sectors, while still keeping a focus on the specific leadership skills required in libraries....This is an excellent book and a useful tool for developing a library collection using the comprehensive reference lists and recommended reading. In comparison to other library management titles, I found this to have a much more practical approach to leadership, with strategies that can be easily applied and changes that one can start putting into practice immediately. (The Australian Library Journal )

This book will not only help those embarking on a leadership role but also provide insights and stimulus to those who have been in such positions for many years. Evans and Ward have provided a highly readable, sensible and useful text relevant to both student and practitioner alike, with a real basis in practical applications. (Bob Pymm Collection Building 2008 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (February 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810852292
• ISBN-13: 978-0810852297
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,490,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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