Conference on Academic Library Management 2026

This session examines the unique challenges women encounter in management roles and offers strategies for leading with authenticity and impact. Leadership for women often involves more than decision-making—it includes navigating perceptions that influence credibility, authority, and whose voice is heard. We will explore how women can “show up” authentically while maintaining professionalism and influence in library environments. Through case studies, participants will practice techniques for handling difficult conversations that foster constructive dialogue and growth. The session also highlights mentoring practices and team-building approaches that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and boost morale. Attendees will leave with practical insights and actionable strategies to lead with confidence, clarity, and authenticity in today’s library landscape.

Recognizing that most organizations cannot absorb the cost of externally training a large pool of managers, this presentation explores how to leverage existing internal resources to build a leadership development program for managers of all library staff. In the field of library science, graduate programs provide limited managerial training, yet professionals are regularly promoted into leadership roles, often without access to professional development before assuming them. Program design and goals, time commitments, and collaboration are key components in developing a professional development program internally to your library. This session will explore how to identify resources and establish a process for developing a people leader program tailored to your organization’s needs, strategic goals, and while remaining mindful of budget constraints. The presenter will share observations from building an internal staff development program that supplements existing university resources.