Competency M
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Demonstrate professional leadership and communication skills.
Introduction
Not all managers are leaders, and conversely, not all leaders hold management positions. Albright (2022) distinguishes leadership from management by highlighting that managers focus on planning, budgeting, and organizing resources for specific tasks, whereas leaders prioritize creating a vision, fostering relationships, and inspiring individuals to work towards shared goals. It involves change management, in which leaders can hone their skills by understanding themselves, pursuing sustainable solutions, engaging with successful leaders, and developing a toolkit for change (Barefoot, 2022). Effective communication is also vital if a leader wants to successfully build trust and drive meaningful change within the organization.
Professional Leadership
Leadership in library and information science must navigate the complexities of modern information environments and ensure that libraries remain relevant and effective in serving their communities. Qualities of a leader, specifically pertaining to the information profession, include the ability to inspire and motivate staff, adapt to technological advancements, and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity. The American Library Association's (ALA) standardized set of concepts and definitions facilitates personal leadership and management development by offering a shared terminology, a professional development roadmap, evaluation criteria, a baseline of competencies, a foundation for library school curriculum, a framework for staff training, guiding principles for advocacy, and a guide for professional development (American Library Association, n.d.). Each competency definition from the ALA (n.d.) is paired with suggested sources for further exploration, covering essential leadership skills such as budget creation, change management, communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, evidence-based decision making, ethics, forward thinking, problem solving, project management, marketing and advocacy, and team building, all of which contribute to effective leadership in library and information settings. Ultimately though, leadership skills and strategies are influenced by trends within the industry, with each organization determining the specific leadership qualities required to gain a competitive edge (Albright, 2022). As the landscape of library services continues to evolve, ongoing professional development and adaptability will be crucial for leaders to meet the changing needs of their communities.
Systems Thinking and Chaos Theory
Systems thinking can benefit libraries by fostering productive relationships between individuals and departments, leading to a more integrated and healthy organization that enhances overall success and service delivery through promoting understanding of individual roles, empathy among staff, adaptability to changing conditions, shared responsibility for organizational success, open communication, collaboration, and holistic thinking (Peters, 2022). By breaking down silos and encouraging a collaborative approach, libraries can leverage the diverse perspectives and skills of their staff to address challenges more effectively. Systems thinking can also help an organization improve its inclusivity by encouraging participation from all employees, providing opportunities for everyone to be heard, and fostering a culture where contributions from all levels are valued (Peters, 2024). Designing a systems thinking framework into an organization's policies and decision making can cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment among all staff members, leading to a more dynamic and responsive trajectory of a library’s missions.
Chaos theory, which describes how simple mathematical phenomena can lead to complex and unpredictable behavior, is used by educational leadership scholars as a metaphor to understand the social dynamics of schools, challenging the notion that randomness only arises from incomplete knowledge of underlying factors (English, 2006). By applying chaos theory to organizational leadership, leaders can better comprehend how small changes in environments can lead to significant and often unforeseen outcomes. Cikotić et al. (2021) explore this application further by highlighting the merits of a triple helix framework, which fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among the state, economy, and universities; enhances effective leadership in chaotic situations; and promotes a knowledge-based economy while reducing social alienation.
Effective Communication
In order to achieve effective communication, one must recognize the importance of interpersonal skills and the various forms of communication available. Leaders will inevitably utilize various forms of communication; while some possess innate interpersonal skills that enhance their effectiveness, it is crucial for information professionals to engage in positive interactions and employ effective communication techniques to ensure clear message transmission and understanding (Alman, 2022). This includes understanding the role of strategic communication, which allows leaders to convey their vision and influence how messages are perceived. Framing, or the process of contextualizing an idea within an organization's framework to redefine its purpose, is a vital communication strategy for change leaders, as it shapes perceptions and enhances organizational effectiveness by assigning meaning to everyday situations through the use of narratives, myths, and metaphors (Barefoot, 2022). A more cohesive and motivated organizational culture can emerge if a library's leadership masters and continues to hone communication strategies and skills.
Competency Statement
While I have not yet had many opportunities to lead in my professional career as of yet, there are a few notable experiences that have developed my competencies in leadership and professional communication. One notable instance was presenting the lesson plan that a colleague and I developed for a cybersecurity program at a systemwide meeting. Most recently, I have been asked to lead the AI-Driven Analytics Solutions Team on the Quantitative Assessment Committee, where I am leading a small team of colleagues as we conduct research on AI-augmented tech solutions to the library systems initiative to be more data-driven.
My MLIS coursework has also prepared me for leadership and professional communication through assignments in various courses. INFO 204, Information Profession, involved reviewing case studies, critiquing policy, and drafting in various forms of professional communication, including memos, reports, and presentations. INFO 287, AI and Data Ethics, equipped me with the skills to evaluate and assess emerging technologies in accordance with broader ethical and policy concerns, ultimately providing me with the knowledge and confidence to professionally communicate in this area.
Evidence
This data governance plan outlines a comprehensive framework for implementing an AI tool in a university library to generate reference materials, utilizing the Hourglass AI governance model. The framework emphasizes key principles such as transparency, fairness, accuracy, autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, addressing potential risks related to information collection, bias, copyright, and authorship. It advocates for a practical approach to governance that prioritizes real-world application over rigid theoretical adherence, ensuring that AI systems align with the library's values throughout their lifecycle. By establishing clear roles, documenting AI systems, and conducting thorough assessments at each phase—from planning and design to operation and monitoring—the plan aims to create a robust governance structure that supports ethical AI use while at the same time enhancing the library's research and reference capabilities.
This data governance plan serves as evidence of my competency in professional leadership and communication skills by demonstrating my ability to articulate a complex framework for AI governance in a university library context. I effectively synthesized key principles of academic librarianship and translated them into actionable governance tasks, showcasing my capacity to lead discussions on ethical AI implementation. By clearly outlining the roles, responsibilities, and processes necessary for successful AI integration, I communicated the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability to stakeholders. The structured approach of using an established model serves as an example of leadership excellence in applying strategies to navigate the challenges of AI governance in the context of emerging technologies.
This data governance plan outlines a comprehensive framework for implementing an AI tool in a university library to generate reference materials, utilizing the Hourglass AI governance model. The framework emphasizes key principles such as transparency, fairness, accuracy, autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality, addressing potential risks related to information collection, bias, copyright, and authorship. It advocates for a practical approach to governance that prioritizes real-world application over rigid theoretical adherence, ensuring that AI systems align with the library's values throughout their lifecycle. By establishing clear roles, documenting AI systems, and conducting thorough assessments at each phase—from planning and design to operation and monitoring—the plan aims to create a robust governance structure that supports ethical AI use while supporting the library's research and reference capabilities.
This data governance plan serves as evidence of my competency in professional leadership and communication skills by demonstrating my ability to articulate a complex framework for AI governance in a university library context. I effectively synthesized key principles of academic librarianship and translated them into actionable governance tasks, showcasing my capacity to lead discussions on ethical AI implementation. By clearly outlining the roles, responsibilities, and processes necessary for successful AI integration, I communicated the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability to stakeholders. The structured approach of using an established model serves as an example of leadership foresight in applying innovative solutions to address the challenges of AI governance within emerging technologies.
Evidence 3
This discussion post addresses the challenges of managing internal and external customer service issues through a review of a case study. It emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries and proactive measures to foster a collaborative environment that allows for restorative solutions. The post acknowledges that negative behavior may stem from underlying issues such as burnout or trauma, and it critiques the branch manager for not addressing these concerns effectively. By advocating for clearer patron service standards and a constructive performance review process, the post suggests that both accountability and support are essential for improving team dynamics. Additionally, it proposes practical solutions, such as giving staff more control over their schedules, to help empower and mitigate feelings of powerlessness.
This discussion post exemplifies my competency in professional leadership and communication skills by demonstrating my ability to analyze complex interpersonal dynamics within a team and propose constructive solutions. I effectively identified the root causes of undesirable results and emphasized the importance of clear communication and collaborative measures to address these issues. My advocacy for a structured performance review process and suggesting practical strategies to empower team members also showcases my leadership in fostering a supportive work environment. Additionally, my focus on the well-being of library staff reflects my commitment to creating a positive organizational culture. This approach not only highlights my ability to analyze, reflect upon, and discuss challenging situations but also underscores my leadership style that aims to first think of issues systematically and then develop holistic solutions.
Evidence 4
Work Experience - AI & Data Ethics Highlights Email and Document
In my position as an information services assistant at a public library, I was asked to share my experience with my branch from an AI & Data Ethics course (INFO 220) I took as part of my MLIS coursework. The goal of sharing this information was to serve as a helpful supplement to a recent cybersecurity training we received system-wide. The email includes an attachment to the write-up, which summarizes some key takeaways from the course that might be relevant for public service. This email serves as evidence of competency M by proactively summarizing key takeaways and providing a resource that addresses relevant ethical considerations in the context of library technology. My clear and thoughtful communication demonstrates my ability to convey complex information in an accessible and relevant manner, which is essential for effective leadership in a professional setting.
Conclusion
Effective leadership in library and information science is essential for navigating the complexities of modern information environments and ensuring that our libraries remain robust and adaptive organisms in the midst of both large and small environment shifts. By embracing a culture in favor of leadership versus rigid managerial structures, enacting systems thinking, and applying theoretical frameworks like chaos theory, leaders can foster a culture of collaboration, adaptability, and innovation. Honing communication skills and employing strategic framing can significantly enhance trust and engagement among staff while improving service delivery and organizational success in the process. I plan to prioritize ongoing professional development and a commitment to cultivating essential leadership qualities in order to hopefully aid in bringing about resilient, adaptable, and dynamic libraries wherever I may serve.
References
Albright, K. (2022). Leadership skills for today’s global information landscape. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (3rd ed., pp. 501-512). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Alman, S. W. (2022). Communication, marketing, and outreach strategies. In Hirsh, S. (Ed.), Information services today (2nd ed., pp. 374-387). Rowman & Littlefield.
American Library Association. (n.d.). Leadership and management competencies | core. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.ala.org/core/continuing-education/leadership-and-management-competencies
Barefoot, R. (2022). Change management. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (3rd ed., pp. 271-281). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Cikotić, S., Erçetin, Ş. Ş., Açıkalın, Ş. N., & Vajzović, E. (2021). Leadership in Complex Situations. In Chaos, Complexity and Leadership 2020 (pp. 7–13). Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74057-3_2
English, F. W. (ed). (2006). Chaos theory. In F. W. English (Ed.) Encyclopedia of educational leadership and administration (Vol. 2, pp. 113-113). SAGE Publications, Inc., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412939584
Peters, T. (2022). An Introduction to Systems Thinking for Librarians. Library Leadership & Management, 36(2). https://doi.org/10.5860/llm.v36i2.7536
Peters, T. (2024). Systems Thinking is Inclusive Thinking. Library Leadership & Management, 38(2). https://doi.org/10.5860/llm.v38i2.7613