Leading Others To Lead: The Importance Of Staff Empowerment In Times Of Change

Abstract

Change management can be one of the most difficult aspects of library leadership with well-known issues and challenges, such as inertia, fear, and resistance to change. However, by embracing change management as a long-term program for building trust, communication, and empowerment of staff, library leaders can create environments where change not only happens but is embraced by all levels of the library hierarchy. In this article, the authors share their work and research as part of a library staff empowered by their library dean to guide the formation and piloting of public service model changes due to the planning of a new library building. Library leaders can use these insights as they work with their staff to implement change at their libraries.