Library leadership in Nigeria and COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose The current scourge of COVID-19 in educational enterprise requires that libraries tame the wave of the pandemic through effective leadership. This paper aims to investigate library leadership in Nigeria and COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive research design was used for the study. A structured questionnaire designed with Google Form and administered online was used to elicit data from 137 heads of academic and public libraries and their deputies in South West, Nigeria. Findings It was found that transformational and transactional leadership styles were more effective than laissez-faire style in managing libraries during crisis. Library operations were reduced during the COVID-19 era, and communication and meetings were conducted via social media. The spread of the pandemic was curtailed through enforcement of the use of face mask and nose covers and awareness campaign through posters and handbills. Practical implications It is the library heads with effective leadership styles that will be productive in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This study is novel, as it approaches the handling of COVID-19 in libraries from the perspective of the leadership styles of the library leaders. No studies have emanated from Africa in this area. The few available narratives are centred around the Western countries. Meanwhile, managers of libraries in Nigeria are not immune to leadership crisis in the handling of the COVID-19 in their respective libraries.

The History and Current Challenges of Libraries in Japan

Japan's libraries have many positive attributes and continue to evolve. However, many library sectors struggle with serving users because of staff outsourcing, library leadership, and a focus on circulation statistics that prevent them from developing into 21st-century information and community centers. This paper reviews the history and current status of each library sector, including their services and staffing. It then examines their current challenges and how professionalism, librarian education, and community engagement are the main challenges to their success and suggests recommendations to elevate them to compete in the global arena.

Academic Library Leadership

Nearly 80% of American librarians are women. Similarly, the majority of American librarians are White; people of color – e.g., African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino Americans – represent a small percentage of the U.S. library work-force. Throughout history, library leadership positions, regardless of the type of library (e.g., academic, public, or special), have been held by White males. This library leadership landscape was significantly altered following the enactment of a number of progressive laws and affirmative action programs, starting with the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The problem, however, is that not every underrepresented group benefits from these laws and programs (hereafter policies). In fact, based on the present study, it appears that these policies have done little to help increase the number of people of color who are library directors in some of America’s largest and most prestigious academic libraries.

Power representation in the leadership of academic libraries in Indonesia

Introduction. Libraries as a dynamic environment have supported dynamic interactions in various aspects of life. These interactions occur in several frames such as culture, social, and ideology that pose power in library leadership at universities. Data Collection Method. In-depth interviews with nine informants, consisting of heads, librarians, and library staff in three libraries, conducted unstructurally between 2018 and 2020. Interview data was used as the main data collection technique, supported by observations and documentation. Data Analysis. Miles and Huberman's model with three stages, i.e. data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion or verification, was employed to interpret findings. Results and Discussion. The results showed five main issues, which are directly related to power representation in libraries. These issues include religious understanding, institutional vision, temporary power, seniority of library personnels, and the influence of the library collection development. Conclusion. The representation of power in library leadership practices has emerged in the frames of religiosity, organizational ideology, seniority, power, and impact of library collection. Therefore, this research contributes to library science theorists and practitioners concerning the awareness of the power representation issues.