Leading in Libraries
Perspectives from Lived Experiences

Maha Kumaran (Edited by), Beth McNeil (Edited by), Trevor A. Dawes (Foreword by)

9798892552677

Paperback / softback, published 5 January 2026

232 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.34 kg

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.

• List of Figures
• Foreword by Trevor A. Dawes
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction