Leadership Panel Questions
From ALASC
Please post your question for discussion on this page. If you'd like to address a particular participant, please post your question under that panelist's name.
General questions for the panel:
- What are some of the characteristics of an effective leader?
- Do any mentors come immediately to mind when you think of the paths you've taken as a professional?
- What advice would you give to a LIS student or new professional who is hoping to take on leadership roles in his or her place of employment?
- Do you have a "mantra"? A phrase or thought that keeps you moving when you're feeling doubtful or sluggish?
- Could you describe some of the challenges you've encountered as a professional, and discuss how you dealt with the challenge; successfully or not?
- How do you distinguish between management and leadership? How are the two related, and where do they diverge?
- Do you think it's necessary to be both a manager and a leader?
- Is there any one person you'd love to have the opportunity to work with or learn from?
- Where would you say the drive to be a "leader" comes from?
- Could you share some of the most unanticipated or unexpected leadership responsibilities of your work?
- How often do you attend conferences or professional development trainings?
- Do you take your work home with you?
- Could you describe the role of technology in the context of leadership in your work?
- How are you evaluated? Do you think the process of evaluation helps you grow and change as a professional?
- Is it for new librarians to pursue leadership?
- Tell us about any point in your career that you would classify as a "turning point" towards your engagement in leadership
- Are there any areas of librarianship that you think are in need of new or strengthened leadership?
- How would you advise/suggest new librarians and students plug into leadership opportunities?
- What advice would you give to a LIS student or new professional who is hoping to take on leadership roles in library associations?
- Did you set out to become leaders, or has your career led you to leadership? (i.e. happenstance vs planning.)
- What have mentors/advisors/supervisors etc done to encourage and/or aid your pursuit of leadership?
- What have others done that has discouraged or barred your pursuit of leadership?
- What are your goals with leadership? i.e. to serve the profession, to run a library system, lead an association?
- Could you talk about the importance of leadership in library services to a diverse population, or populations with special needs?
- I am curious about their professional activities. Do you publish, how are you engaged in (which) library associations or other activities?
In regards to the Emerging Leaders Initiative (Sarah, Lana & Robert)
- Could you describe something of your experience at ALA midwinter that has helped you in your work?
- Tell us about the project you're involved in. What are some of the challenges and rewards of participating in this initiative?
- What is it about Simmons that has produced three Emerging Leaders?
Questions for specific participants:
Diane D'Almeida
Sarah Feldman
Kim Kolosseus
Robert Roth
Lana Thelan
