Introduction

This chapter introduces the book and also different ideas about leadership, management and teamwork, and their applications in library and information services. These ideas are arranged under the following headings: the context of information and library work; working as a manager or leader; being clear about your role, responsibilities and boundaries; characteristics of managers and leaders; management and leadership styles; and leading from the middle. This is followed by an overview of the structure and contents of this book, The No-Nonsense Guide to Leadership, Management and Teamwork.

About this book

This book provides a practical guide to leadership, management and teamwork in library and information services. The book covers management and leadership ideas, tools and techniques, and examples and case studies are provided from a wide range of libraries and information services in the UK and across the world.

This book is relevant to aspiring managers who want to move into a management role, as well as newly appointed leaders who are in their first director role. Established leaders who are dealing with new challenges or who want to review their professional practices will find it helpful. In addition, individual librarians who take on an unofficial management or leadership role may find the ideas in this book help to clarify their situation. Professional librarians and information workers who are not managers or leaders may find this book helps them in understanding the pressures and approaches of their own manager or leader.

The No-Nonsense Guide to Leadership, Management and Teamwork was developed from a wide range of sources including: