The central role of leaders in public libraries
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120410609798 |
| Published date | 01 August 2005 |
| Pages | 386-396 |
| Date | 01 August 2005 |
| Author | John Mullins,Margaret Linehan |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
The central role of leaders in
public libraries
John Mullins
Cork City Library, Cork, Ireland, and
Margaret Linehan
Department of Adult & Continuing Education, Cork Institute of Technology,
Cork, Ireland
Abstract
Purpose – Aims to explore the topic of leadership as perceived and practised by public library
leaders. Library leaders have a wide-ranging impact on society but have been largely overlooked as
the subject of serious study. The current study seeks to investigate the perspectives of public library
leaders beyond national boundaries in order to develop an understanding of the perceptions of current
leaders in the field of public librarianship.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 30 senior public library leaders were selected for
in-depth face-to-face interviews in three national jurisdictions – Ireland, the UK, and the USA.
Findings – The study of the perceptions of senior public library leaders, across national boundaries,
makes a theoretical contribution not just to leadership in librarianship, but also to the broader
literature on organizational leadership. Nine main thematic areas emerged from the findings. One of
these themes, the centrality of leadership to librarianship, is the particular focus of this paper.
Practical implications – The findings support the centrality of leadership for optimal strategicand
operational practices in the field of public librarianship. The challenge for the public library sector is to
identify and consider the leadership skills and personal attributes that are essential to success.
Originality/value – Presents a representative sample of insights, reflections and assessments from
participating public library leaders regarding the centrality of leadership to librarianship.
Keywords Public libraries,Leadership, Librarians, Leaders
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
This paper presents a representative sample of insights, reflections, and assessments
from participating public library leaders regarding the centrality of leadership to
librarianship. Bennis (1997) argued that there is a crisis in leadership worldwide which,
he believes, is one of the most dangerous threats we face today, particularly since the
threat is neither recognized nor understood. Bennis asks if there is a fear of creative
leadership, together with cynicism, complacency, and inaction towards leadership –
any of which can discourage persons to become leaders. Riggs (2001) expresses
bewilderment over librarians doing little to address such concerns in writing. In a
challenge to librarians, Riggs asks: “How many library and information science book s
do you know that were published during the past five years that contain the word
‘leadership’ in their titles? Can you name three library and information-science journal
articles published during the past five years with the word ‘leadership’ in their titles?”,
and “why does someone not begin a new journal entitled Library Leadership?” (Riggs,
2001, pp. 7-8). Riggs also commented that while business schools are now providing
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
26,6/7
386
Received 27 January 2005
Revised 21 March 2005
Accepted 30 March 2005
Library Management
Vol. 26 No. 6/7, 2005
pp. 386-396
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120410609798
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