At our World Library and Information Congress 2025, a session focused on leadership provided an opportunity to discuss work already done into how this is taught around the world (report and guide).

Building on this work, we both worked towards a working definition of leadership in libraires, and explored experiences of leadership programming in order to inform future work in this area. This article brings together insights from the session, based on the contributions of both the emerging leaders in Astana, and the audience through polling and live discussion.

Defining leadership in libraries

To set the scene, we asked the emerging leaders participating at the Congress, thanks to the support of the Gates Foundation (via Stichting IFLA Global Libraries) to share their ideas about what leadership meant in a minute.

Following the conference, we have worked with the leaders to develop a definition of leadership in libraries as a starting point for further discussion:

A great library leader has passion, and can share this effectively, helping create a collective vision which others own and deliver on. They do not necessarily do things themselves, but create the conditions and opportunities for others to do so, working through networks not hierarchies and celebrating autonomy.

A great library leader is not always talking, but knows how to listen effectively, as well as to model good behaviours. They are not gatekeepers, but gate-openers, able to make sense of the world and help others to do so too for themselves rather than necessarily guiding them. They aim to build independence, not dependency among staff.

A great library reader dares to step outside of their comfort zone, curious about what they don’t know, and able to take reasonable risks in order to advance overall strategic goals. They are able to take a long-term perspective, and are not afraid of change.

A great library leader can look further, and make connections that others may not see. They build actions around people, as well as purpose, remembering that people are what matters most.

 A great library leader is a leader even when no-one is watching, able to set and follow their own directions. They are resilient and responsible, able to do the harder things, even if they don’t enjoy it.

Perspectives on where we are today

Based on the insights shared by our leaders, as well as the presentation of the report by the author team at the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information, the session was also an opportunity to engage with the audience about their own experience.

Participants felt that there was already at least recognition of the importance of leadership and that those who had training did benefit. However, this was not accessible to everyone, and more work was needed to build understanding that it is possible to be a leader at any level.

Barriers to skills development included funding and time, a lack of role models and mentors, and internal bureaucracy. A lack of uptake can also be linked to fears about trying new things, and the need for those currently in senior positions to create space to practice leadership.

Those who had had training also shared their experiences. Mentorship, networking, peer learning and following up on courses had all been powerful. Participants had appreciated opportunities to develop emotional intelligence and confidence to try things.

Meanwhile, there had been concerns over questions such as the availability of time and tools, inaccessibility due to language and attitudes, and a need to improve methodologies to make them more engaging.

Finally, we asked about where leadership programming internationally could make a difference. Answers focused on the potential to access different work practices, experiences and viewpoints – these could help challenge assumptions. Participants also indicated that the possibility to access a bigger network could be powerful.

Next steps

In the coming months, we will also be working with our emerging leaders from WLIC 2025 to develop a set of ‘weak signals’, complementing our Trend Report 2024 by identifying potential future trends that will affect the work of libraries.

Our Regional Council will also be focusing on leadership during its mandate, drawing on its reach into all parts of the world to explore how we can best build capacity and support here.

We are grateful to the Gates Foundation (via SIGL), as well as to our emerging leaders who contributed to the definition: Naira Atshemyan (Armenia), Makpal Aussadykova (Kazakhstan), Denis Chakov (Uzbekistan), Sarah Gardiner (Australia), Madina Kerimova (Kyrgyz Republic), Adama Kone (Côte d’Ivoire), Tolgonai Kozhokanova (Kyrgyz Repubic), Alper Menemenlioğlu (Türkiye), Dany Miller-Kareko (New Zealand), Imogen Negomi (United Kingdom), Damilare Oyedele (Nigeria), Elena Pintilei (Molvova), Madiareni Sulaiman (Indonesia), and Merve Yavuzdemir (Türkiye).