Library leadership: Innovative options for designing training programmes to build leadership competencies in the digital age

The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the most important digital leadership competencies for managers in Malaysia and to develop the profile of digital leadership competencies among managers in Malaysia. This study adopted quantitative research method and cross-sectional study. In order to provide a better understanding of the digital leadership competencies in Malaysia, the researcher uses exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy topsis method in interpreting results. The importance of each dimension was determined and compared with current performance. Hence, importance-performance charts were provided to elaborate the research results. This study will inspire managers to embrace change and to develop new competencies needed in order to guide their organizations into the uncertain future of the digital age. This study being the first in its kind will extend the knowledge of digital leadership competencies particularly in Malaysian context. Further, it enhances the literature by provided empirical evidence on the importance and how to develop the profile among managers.

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Academic library leadership in the digital age

Library Management ◽

10.1108/lm-07-2014-0083 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (4/5) ◽

pp. 300-314 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Binh P. Le

Keyword(s):

Survey Research ◽

Web Sites ◽

Academic Libraries ◽

Leadership Skills ◽

Academic Library ◽

Digital Age ◽

Content Type ◽

Library Leadership ◽

The Usa ◽

The Web

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on academic library leadership in the digital age. Primarily, the goals are to identify: first, the top five major challenges facing academic library leadership; second, the top five most important leadership skills required for effective academic library leadership; and finally, the top five best ways to develop these academic library leadership skills. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted to elicit responses from individuals who hold senior library leadership positions in American academic libraries throughout the USA. The participants were identified through several means: the web sites of the ALA and its divisions; the web sites of American universities; referrals; and the author’s professional contacts. To simplify the survey research process, e-mails including the survey research questions were sent to potential participants. In all, 38 invitations (n=38) were sent out to large and medium-size academic libraries throughout the USA. Over 36.8 percent (n=14) of the participants returned the survey. The participants represent a wide spectrum of libraries. Findings – The top five major challenges are how to: demonstrate the library values 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, and keep the library staff trained and current. The top five essential academic library leadership attributes are: vision, integrity, management skills, collaboration skills, and communication skills. The top five best ways to acquire these skills include the need to have mentors, to attend leadership development programs, to gain practical library leadership experience, to seek leadership roles, and to know oneself. Originality/value – Research in this area is rather limited. As a result, this study will contribute to the academic library leadership literature and help current and aspiring academic library leaders worldwide with insightful leadership lessons needed to lead academic libraries successfully in this transformational era.

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