Seminar A: Leadership & Management in Special Collections: Becoming the Boss, the First Three Years and Beyond

Abstract

This seminar will provide a learning opportunity for professionals in special collections and archives who are interested in moving into administrative roles or those who have recently moved into these roles and are looking for guidance.

The four presenters include those who are relatively new to administration as well as those who have been in a leadership role for many years; they bring different perspectives from their institutions which vary in size. As they talk about leadership challenges and opportunities, among the topics the speakers will address are: adapting to institutional cultures, understanding the parameters of the job in general and specifically the issues of advocacy for special collections, strategic planning, and building community relationships; setting strategic priorities in the early years of one’s tenure; managing change and navigating through conflict. Speakers will share their learning moments– as they work to aligning staffing and mission to a library’s strategic plan.

Moderator: Verónica Reyes-Escudero, University of Arizona Libraries