Leading in Libraries: Perspectives from Lived Experiences -- Maha Kumaran, Paperback
In a world of constant change and evolving societal expectations, libraries stand at a critical crossroads. As institutions traditionally dedicated to knowledge preservation and dissemination, libraries now face unprecedented challenges that demand innovative leadership approaches centered on equity, diversity, and inclusion. This book represents a vital contribution to this conversation--one that amplifies marginalized voices and challenges us to view leadership through a social justice lens. Whether you're a library administrator, a department head, a front-line library worker, or an LIS student, you will find both challenges to your thinking and concrete strategies for moving forward, including
- real-world perspectives from Canadian, American, Asian, and Australian contributors with varying identities;
- leadership roles, competencies, and lessons drawn from navigating the complexities of higher education and librarianship;
- guidance on inclusive strategic planning processes, shepherding working groups, effective administrative structures and hiring best practices, scholarly publishing, and other key topics;
- insights on dealing with ongoing momentous upheavals, such as changing political landscapes, pandemic disruptions and tragedies, and racial violence;
- explorations of the ways in which higher education institutions and their libraries are embracing DEI, Indigenization, and decolonization;
- reasons why reflection, intentionality, non-reactivity, and other ways of slowing down are so important for embracing thoughtful planning and implementing sustainable practices and ethical approaches; and
- advice on building meaningful relationships and resisting political, societal, and personal pressures.
Author: Maha Kumaran
Publisher: ALA Editions
Published: 1/5/2026
Pages: 232
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65 lbs
Size: 8.91" H x 5.92" L x 0.33" W
ISBN: 9798892552677
