Inclusive Leadership in Academic Libraries: Leading Through Problem-Solving

Leadership in academic libraries is evolving. Traditional top-down models are giving way to more inclusive, problem-led approaches that emphasize collaboration, adaptability, and shared expertise. This shift aligns with the needs of today’s academic librarians, who must navigate complex institutional structures, advocate for resources, and innovate in response to emerging challenges.

Rethinking Leadership: From Authority to Influence

Historically, leadership has been associated with hierarchy, authority, and personal charisma. However, in academic libraries, leadership often takes a different form—one that values expertise, teamwork, and problem-solving over formal titles and status. This mirrors the concept of "problem-led leadership," where leaders emerge based on their ability to address pressing challenges rather than their position in the organizational chart.

Rather than seeing themselves as traditional managers, many academic librarians lead by identifying critical issues—such as digital equity, open access, or AI integration in information literacy—and mobilizing colleagues to develop creative solutions. Leadership, in this context, becomes less about control and more about influence, shared decision-making, and collective action.

Inclusive Leadership in Action

Inclusive leadership fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and all team members are empowered to contribute. Here are key principles that define this approach in academic libraries, along with practical solutions for implementation:

1. Collaborative Problem-Solving – Effective leaders in libraries bring people together to tackle challenges.

   • Establish cross-functional teams to address pressing issues.

   • Use structured brainstorming sessions to generate diverse ideas.

   • Implement feedback loops with faculty, students, and staff to refine initiatives.

2. Shared Leadership – Leadership is not the responsibility of a single person. Instead, it is distributed across teams, with individuals stepping up based on their expertise and the needs of the moment.

   • Rotate leadership responsibilities within projects to empower different team members.

   • Develop mentorship programs where experienced librarians guide newer staff.

   • Recognize contributions formally in meetings and institutional reports.

3. Adaptability and Continuous Learning – The rapidly evolving landscape of academic libraries requires leaders who embrace change, experiment with new technologies, and remain open to learning.

   • Offer professional development workshops on emerging technologies and trends.

   • Create a culture of experimentation by piloting new tools and evaluating their impact.

   • Encourage participation in library consortia and professional associations.

4. Empowering Others – Inclusive leaders mentor and support their colleagues, recognizing that leadership is about elevating others rather than maintaining personal authority.

   • Implement peer coaching sessions where librarians share best practices.

   • Encourage staff to take ownership of initiatives and provide necessary support.

   • Foster a culture of recognition by celebrating individual and team achievements.

5. Mission-Driven Leadership – Instead of seeking followers, problem-led leaders rally people around a shared vision.

   • Develop a clear, compelling vision statement that aligns with institutional goals.

   • Engage stakeholders in discussions on how library initiatives contribute to academic success.

   • Measure and communicate the impact of library services through data-driven reports.

Shaping the Future of Library Leadership

The future of leadership in academic libraries lies in inclusivity, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset. Librarians who embrace these principles will be better equipped to address institutional challenges, drive innovation, and create more equitable learning environments.

By moving beyond traditional leadership models and embracing a more inclusive, problem-focused approach, academic librarians can lead not just within their institutions, but across the higher education landscape. The question is no longer about who holds a leadership title but rather: How can we work together to solve the most pressing challenges in academic libraries today?