Mid-Career Library and Information Professionals

5

Making it work: leading without a pedestal

Mary Jo Orzech

Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple, and it is also that difficult.

Warren G. Bennis

Dynamic forces in libraries, both internal and external, are combining in new ways to give voice to those who may not hold official title or authority. Opportunities to demonstrate leadership appear long before it may be included in a job description. This chapter explores ways that librarians can make their mark in organizational structures, policies, programs and services by recognizing options for leadership experience at every turn. Descriptions of leading by example and managing up as well as managing down are used to highlight key points.