Steven Bell

From the Bell Tower has explored the intersection between higher education and academic libraries for over a decade. It’s been a time of vast change, but what lies ahead is sure to hasten the pace of what will likely be more radical change. Paying attention to higher education will allow academic librarians to adapt to whatever comes their way.

Leadership literature offers abundant lists of qualities that experts say define great leaders. That’s supplemented by lists of qualities workers want in their leaders. There’s much variance. Here is the one quality we can all agree is a must for leaders who want to succeed.

Sources of joy are found within librarianship, but everyday life can be stressful and hard on our minds and bodies. Science has much to tell us about ways we can achieve happiness. Surprisingly, those things can be a good fit with academic library work.

Innovation comes in different forms. Library leaders support staff to achieve innovation that establishes the library as an organizational or community innovator. Using the right terminology makes a difference.

As academic libraries open their doors to the public, they’ll experience some of the same challenges as public libraries. Should we follow their lead when it comes to staff social workers?

When librarians move into an administrative leadership position, they may find they get fewer projects completed. That’s fine. It’s more important to contribute to subordinates’ personal growth and organizational progress.

Every academic library should have a set of standards for how people are expected to conduct themselves in our facilities. If it’s nonexistent at your library, now is the time to create it. If there is one that has languished for years, it’s time for an update.

Even if you think you lead without exploiting the power and privilege of your position, the way your formal leadership or management role affects your library workers might surprise you.

Cost has always been a factor in the college selection process. New surveys reveal that cost is no longer merely one factor but the overriding decision element. Academic librarians can contribute to affordability.