What We Talk About When We Talk About Leadership: A Review of Research on Library Leadership in the 21st Century

Abstract

The literature of library leadership in the 21st century is as extensive as it is varied. Nonetheless, general themes emerge that reflect an evolving leadership imperative in a period of continuous change for the library organization. The first of a two-part review, this paper outlines research and research-related scholarship on library leadership published in the professional and scholarly literature since 2000. The review is organized within two broad areas: Leadership Competencies and Leadership Theory in Practice. Leadership Competencies includes work that explores applied leadership skills, leadership characteristics, and leadership and change. Leadership Theory in Practice includes research that connects leadership theory with library leadership challenges. Research in this area explores the intersection of leadership and organizational culture, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and transformation, situational, and managerial leadership.

A Bibliometric Review of Leadership Literature in Library and Information Science Profession, 1959–2022

“…Ashiq et al (2021) and Wong (2017) stated that globalization, different types of users, and digitization have changed how libraries provide services. Stewart (2017) investigated the research on library leadership since the year 2000 and reported that the libraries were going through a ''period of accelerated change'' (p. 2). Ashiq et al's (2021) review of the literature on library leadership showed that leaders needed to be visionary, creative, and have good communication and social skills to support a collaborative and flexible culture in their institutions.…”