Relationships and engagement. The challenges and opportunities for effective leadership and change management in a Canadian research library
| Date | 10 January 2008 |
| Pages | 29-40 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120810844621 |
| Published date | 10 January 2008 |
| Author | Vicki Williamson |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Relationships and engagement
The challenges and opportunities for effective
leadership and change management in a
Canadian research library
Vicki Williamson
University of Saskatchewan Library, Saskatoon, Canada
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to overview the professional context for Canadian research libraries (as
outlined in the 8Rs Canadian Library Human Resources Study by Ingles et al.) and to examine the
approach and response to dynamic human resources challenges and opportunities unfolding through a
strategic planning and change management process at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S)
Library.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the context and challenges for Canadian
research libraries as highlighted in the 8Rs Study and overviews this in the context of the U of S
Library’s response through its strategic planning and change management process. It explores
institutional responses and the possibilities of joint collaborative action across member libraries of the
Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL).
Findings – The study finds that greatest challenge to transforming library services, resources and
facilities lies in transforming the knowledge, skills and abilities of library staff and to developing new
models and approaches to professional practice, which meet and exceed client expectations and
overcome the traditionally conservative approach to the practice of librarianship.
Originality/value – The paper provides a discussion on strategic options and strategies for research
libraries as exemplified by the experiences and work underway at the U of S Library. While some of
the context is Canadian specific, the U of S response contains many strategies applicable in other
academic and research libraries contexts.
Keywords Canada, Researchlibraries, Human resource management, Change management
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
A vision for a research library’s future, which articulates leadership and innovation in
a dynamic information environment, is ambitious. This is part of the vision of the
University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Library, which also notes that achievement of the
vision will require collaboration “with our community to create a positive experience
that leads to success in learning, scholarship and practice” (University of
Saskatchewan Library, 2006).
This vision presents considerable challenges for that Library’s leadership and
staff-at-large (http://library.usa sk.ca/). It also provides many opportuni ties for
innovation and change to professional practice. Above all, it requires some creative
and interventionist strategies to ensure that Library staff have the necessary
knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the challenges head-on and ensure realization of
that ambitious vision.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Relationships
and engagement
29
Received 3 April 2007
Accepted 20 May 2007
Library Management
Vol. 29 No. 1/2, 2008
pp. 29-40
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120810844621
To continue reading
Request your trial