Type
Presentation
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/zaa9-m564
Session Description
Acting Director of the Library. Visiting Librarian. Interim Associate Dean. Interim University Librarian. These are titles that we've seen versions of at all types of libraries and institutions. We define "interim, visiting, acting, or temporary" leadership roles as in-between, impermanent, or short-term, but oftentimes, these roles are held longer than a few short months (ALA, 2022). What does it mean to hold one of these positions in a library? This conference idea was born from the lived experiences of two interim library directors and one interim associate director. We, the librarians, quickly learned that these promotions came with their own limitations and challenges due to their temporary nature. We realized that there is no rule book for temporary leadership and while we could communicate and share with each other, upon reflection, we would have greatly benefited from additional knowledge, advice, and support.
We propose a panel of the three librarians mentioned above, two of which now hold permanent leadership roles, and one who decided that their interim title was just that: interim. (We would ideally like to get a fourth person involved in this panel, someone who is *currently* in an interim leadership role; however, we only have the three folks listed on this form committed right now). We recognize that preparation for these types of leadership roles is not always feasible but having the support of like-minded library professionals in similar circumstances can be beneficial. We acknowledge that people from underrepresented or excluded groups, due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic background, age, and/or disability, may have increased barriers or obstacles to leadership, or may find unwelcoming or marginalizing structures in those roles. We also recognize that our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues in the audience may be beneficial to learn from; however, the goal of this panel is not only for anecdotal sharing, but to provide attendees with resources, concrete questions to ask, and applicable takeaways, if ever faced with an interim leadership role. We hope that after attending our panel, attendees will engage in relationship building with other future library leaders, the folks who will look forward and help shape the future of our libraries. Participants will:
1) Articulate some of the challenges and opportunities interim leadership can provide.
2) Identify questions and considerations that pertain to their unique situation as an interim leader.
3) Engage in a professional dialogue with others in similar circumstances.
Type of Library
College Library
In the Interim: Let's Talk About Impermanent Library Leadership
Hogan 402
Acting Director of the Library. Visiting Librarian. Interim Associate Dean. Interim University Librarian. These are titles that we've seen versions of at all types of libraries and institutions. We define "interim, visiting, acting, or temporary" leadership roles as in-between, impermanent, or short-term, but oftentimes, these roles are held longer than a few short months (ALA, 2022). What does it mean to hold one of these positions in a library? This conference idea was born from the lived experiences of two interim library directors and one interim associate director. We, the librarians, quickly learned that these promotions came with their own limitations and challenges due to their temporary nature. We realized that there is no rule book for temporary leadership and while we could communicate and share with each other, upon reflection, we would have greatly benefited from additional knowledge, advice, and support.
We propose a panel of the three librarians mentioned above, two of which now hold permanent leadership roles, and one who decided that their interim title was just that: interim. (We would ideally like to get a fourth person involved in this panel, someone who is *currently* in an interim leadership role; however, we only have the three folks listed on this form committed right now). We recognize that preparation for these types of leadership roles is not always feasible but having the support of like-minded library professionals in similar circumstances can be beneficial. We acknowledge that people from underrepresented or excluded groups, due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic background, age, and/or disability, may have increased barriers or obstacles to leadership, or may find unwelcoming or marginalizing structures in those roles. We also recognize that our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues in the audience may be beneficial to learn from; however, the goal of this panel is not only for anecdotal sharing, but to provide attendees with resources, concrete questions to ask, and applicable takeaways, if ever faced with an interim leadership role. We hope that after attending our panel, attendees will engage in relationship building with other future library leaders, the folks who will look forward and help shape the future of our libraries. Participants will:
1) Articulate some of the challenges and opportunities interim leadership can provide.
2) Identify questions and considerations that pertain to their unique situation as an interim leader.
3) Engage in a professional dialogue with others in similar circumstances.
Comments
https://doi.org/10.7275/zaa9-m564