Library leadership

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce the column and the idea of library leadership as it relates to library finances. It distinguishes between good leadership (dynamic) and good management (static), and sets forth the subject of subsequent installments of the column that will focus on attributes of good library administrative leadership. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken is to introduce the column, define what it will cover and set up subsequent columns which will each expound upon one “leadership performance standard.” Findings – This paper shows that although leadership has been extensively studied, it is still not readily understood. As a quality that should be modeled and taught it first requires definition. Originality/value – Learning the differences between good administrative leadership and good management as well as the fact that there are specific attributes to good administrative leadership lays the groundwork for subsequent discussion of those attributes for library administrators at all levels.