Academic library leaders’ conceptions of library leadership in Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate the conceptions of academic library leaders' about library leadership, library management, the best attributes for academic library leaders and the ways to develop leadership skills. A qualitative approach was used and data were collected through in-depth interviews from 15 experienced academic library leaders in Pakistan. Phenomenology was used to explore the common conceptions of the participants about library leadership, library management, smart leaders' attributes and significant ways to develop leadership. Academic library leaders perceived that a library leader is all about being visionary and innovative, being bold, and being a knowledge worker. Majority of the participants differentiated between library leader and library manager however, others had similar conceptions about both roles. The best attributes of academic library leaders conceived by professionals are having a humanistic and charismatic personality, being a team leader, and having building relationship skills or social outreach. Humanist aspect of a leader prevails among participants' voices and this might be an addition to the existing literature. Continuous professional development, mentorship, and being in a competitive environment are the best ways for library leadership skills development. The study would be helpful for library leaders, university management, library associations and library schools in policy making and offering of professional training and education of library leaders.

The facts of continuing professional development for LIS professionals in Pakistan: a literature review

“…Some recent studies highlighted the role of library associations and LIS schools and stressed on the need of mutual working for better resultsin library professional’s CPD, training and skills enhancement (Ameen, 2006; Anwar and Warraich, 2013; Ashiq et al , 2018, 2019). Ashiq et al (2018) suggested training courses and refresher courses for young and mid-career library professionals jointly ventured by LIS schools and library associations.…”

“…Ashiq et al (2018) suggested training courses and refresher courses for young and mid-career library professionals jointly ventured by LIS schools and library associations. Similarly, Ashiq et al (2019) stressed on the need for a revival of associations and involving young library professionals in the associations working. The authors also suggested restructuring of central library associations and also establishing separate platforms for “technical issues” being faced by library professionals.…”

“…There is no permanent platform or body of a professional association to work purely for CPD initiatives. Many recent studies have highlighted the need of CPD of library professionals jointly ventured by professional library associations and LIS schools would be a good moving-forward initiative (Ameen, 2006; Anwar and Warraich, 2013; Ashiq et al , 2018, 2019; Awan and Mahmood, 2010). A separate entity for CPD initiatives under PLAs platform linked with LIS schools would be worthwhile to organize and create equal learning opportunities throughout in the country.…”

Global research on library service quality: a bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping

“…The situation is further worsened by the 24/7 h availability of these technological platforms and their easy-to-remote accessibility. Budgetary constraints and high cost of material and equipment further add to the hurdles faced by libraries in overcoming the serious service challenges that are faced by libraries such as a rapidly evolving digital environment, need for remote accessibility, high demands of users, the emergence of commercial information and delivery systems, financial constraints and others (Ashiq et al , 2019; Ashiq et al , 2020). According to Taufiq et al (2020), library users have shown their concerns toward poor internet connectivity, non-availability of modern library services and facilities, lack of current library materials and poor behavior of library staff.…”

Future challenges and emerging role of academic libraries in Pakistan: A phenomenology approach

“…A library will only flourish when it reinvents and realigns its services to facilitate its modern users (Harland, Steward and Bruce, 2017). These changes require visionary and skillful leaders who are capable of guiding the library professionals through these challenges (Ashiq, Rehman and Batool, 2018; 2019).…”