Exploring Internal Communication in Public Libraries: Challenges and Opportunities for Library Leaders

Abstract

Effective internal communication is essential to library staff being able to fulfill their duties, work together as a cohesive unit, and carry out the library’s mission. However, there is often a lack of coordinated focus on clear internal communication that includes all staff members in libraries. This can create environments where there is disconnect among staff and library departments leading to rumor mills and lowering morale. This exploratory study looked at the current state of internal library communications in public libraries and ideas to improve internal communications. Library leadership has the potential to create environments and cultures where internal communication is effective and supports library staff, their work, and the effective functioning of the library as a whole.

African Librarians and the Future of Learning: Reflections from the 5thAfLIA Conference and 7th African Library Summit in Accra, Ghana

“…The presentation from the sections shows that membership drive, training and capacity building programs for members, and strengthening of the channel of communication among section members, were among the key issues discussed by all sections. These are pertinent issues, because the success or failure of library and information establishment will be greatly influenced by the capacity of their staff (Arua, 2019), participation in professional associations (Imam, et al, 2020) and effective communication (Wakimoto, 2021).…”