Vol. 24 No. 2 (2018): Lots of Ways to Be a Leader

Abstract: In this issue, you’ll find more stories of librarians who, by leading from their individual strengths, have made their libraries, communities, and the Oregon library community better places to be. Jane Corry and Elaine Hirsch kick off this issue with a discussion of the planning and coordination that went into the first LIOLA, and how their own strengths—as defined by the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment around which the LIOLA curriculum was based—influenced and guided that process. Hillsboro’s Courtney Gill writes about how a collaborative, compassion-driven leadership model, combined with strategic outreach partnerships, produced the HPL Cares series of community service-based library programs. Mark Richardson talks about how he has employed the four-stage Situational Leadership model and his own supportive leadership tendencies in helping his Teen Council discover their strengths. Julie Gaida, acquisitions specialist at Pacific University and the head of a department-of-one, discusses how she overcame the insular nature of her position and made lasting connections with the campus community and her fellow Oregon librarians. Finally, librarians who want to exercise leadership from a non-administrative or non-supervisory position will find much wisdom in Melissa Little and Dawn Marie Lowe-Wincentsen’s articles; both address how “followers” can, with confidence and authenticity, be agents of change. Melissa’s article might even help you get into a titled leadership position, which is pretty cool work if you can get it.

This rambling introduction concludes with a full-hearted endorsement of the program that inspired this issue of the Quarterly in the first place: Leadership Institute of the Oregon Library Association (LIOLA). LIOLA is essential for every librarian or library-adjacent person who has ever wondered if their style of leadership (or not even leadership, necessarily; just their style of being a person in the world) makes them an asset or a liability to their community. I just described you, didn’t I, you impostersyndrome- having basket case!? Even if you are a world-class weirdo, LIOLA will teach you how to recognize, celebrate, and then mobilize your unique strengths for the betterment of your library and your universe, and to recognize, celebrate, and mobilize the unique strengths of others. You’ll also get to meet other cool library-types from across the state and get one-on-one advice from bonafide mentors in the field.

Guest Editor: Jane Scheppke, Crook County Library