Managing the 21st Century Reference Department: Competencies

The reference department of the 21st century has to provide services, which are constantly being shaped by the changes in the information environment and the expectations of patrons of the fast-paced era. The presence of a visionary and dynamic leader to direct and influence the behaviors and activi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Reference librarian 2003-01, Vol.39 (81), p.35-50
Main Author: Osa, Justina O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
21st century
Aims and objectives
Competencies
Leadership
Leading
Library management
Library staff
managing
reference department
Reference departments
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Summary:The reference department of the 21st century has to provide services, which are constantly being shaped by the changes in the information environment and the expectations of patrons of the fast-paced era. The presence of a visionary and dynamic leader to direct and influence the behaviors and activities of the staff who must provide the reference services is an important component in the delivery of quality services. This article focuses on the competencies that the leader must possess in order to get the job done well and influence and direct the employees' abilities towards the achievement of the department's predetermined goals. Some of the core competencies considered valuable for the reference leader are identified, defined and discussed.
ISSN:0276-3877
1541-1117
DOI:10.1300/J120v39n81_04