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The Machiavellian Librarian
Winning Allies, Combating Budget Cuts, and influencing Stakeholders
1st Edition - October 24, 2013
Editors: Melissa K. Aho, Erika Bennett
Paperback ISBN:9781843347552
9 7 8 - 1 - 8 4 3 3 4 - 7 5 5 - 2
eBook ISBN:9781780634364
9 7 8 - 1 - 7 8 0 6 3 - 4 3 6 - 4
Do librarians ‘rock the boat’? Do they challenge those around them to win influence and advantage? Why is it that librarians are little found on the ‘influence’ grid of… Read more
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Do librarians ‘rock the boat’? Do they challenge those around them to win influence and advantage? Why is it that librarians are little found on the ‘influence’ grid of personality assessment tests? The Machiavellian Librarian offers real life examples of librarians who use their knowledge and skill to project influence, and turn the tide in their, and their library’s, favor. Authors offer first hand and clear examples to help librarians learn to use their influence effectively, for the betterment of their library and their career. Opening chapters cover visualizing data, as well as networking and strategic alignment. Following chapters discuss influence without authority-making fierce allies, communicating results in accessible language and user-centered planning. Closing chapters address using accreditation and regulation reporting to better position the library, as well as political positioning and outcome assessment.
Throws the spotlight on librarian’s professional and personality traits, many of which are deleterious to the long-term viability of library funding
Shows how best to boost the value proposition of libraries, through enhanced influence
Includes how-to chapters on influencing others in the organization
Librarians of all areas and levels, particularly those involved in management
Dedication
List of figures and tables
Figures
Tables
About the contributors
Editors
Contributing authors
1. Introduction
References
Part 1: Character and Behavior for Princes
2. One Machiavellian librarian’s path toward leadership
Abstract:
What is a Machiavellian librarian?
That which looks bad may actually be good
Let Switzerland be your role model
For tonight, Niccolò, we take over the world
Be very careful about the F word (friend)
The role of a Machiavellian librarian in times of a hostile takeover
A final definition of a Machiavellian librarian?
Recommendations
References
3. Weasels and honey badgers: networking for librarians
Abstract:
Stereotypes
The warm connection
Creating your networking plan
Executing your networking plan
Dealing with rejection
Evaluate the success of your networking plan
New roles provide new networking opportunities
Recommendations
References
4. Influence without authority: making fierce allies
Abstract:
Rub the right elbows
Needs assessment
Starting the conversation—embrace the stereotypes
Networking—killing them with kindness
Offer your services—how to sell yourself without selling yourself
Communicating benefits
Communicating your value—we’re priceless!
Creating and becoming library champions—we’re number 1!
Recommendations
References
5. Prince or plebe?: success at all levels of the library hierarchy
Abstract:
Introduction
The prince: success as a supervisor
The politician: success as an employee
The civil servant: success as a subordinate
Recommendations
References
6. Princely planning in a political environment
Abstract:
Planning the plan
Advancing the plan
Achieving the plan
Communicating the plan
Recommendations
References
7. Be an ironman at work: work with your strengths
Abstract:
What is StrengthsFinder™?
Building relationships
Influencing others
Recommendations
References
Part 2: New Principalities
8. Mixed monarchies: expanding the library’s sphere of influence to help student-athletes
Abstract:
Understanding your new subjects
Living in your new realm
Tips for colonization
Recommendations
References
9. “To mold a new reality”: strategies for leading change (and getting away with it)
Abstract:
Leaving my homeland/Playing a lone hand
And a look in the eyes of the hungry/Awakened him to what he could do
A memo to a higher office/Open letter to the powers that be
I feel the sense of possibilities/I feel the wrench of hard realities
Courageous convictions/Will drag the dream into existence
Sadder still to watch it die/Than never to have known it
The fact is, this friction/Will only be worn by persistence
In your head is the answer/Let it guide you along
Courageous convictions/Will drag the dream into existence
A quantum leap forward in time and in space
Hold the flame ’til the dream ignites/A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission
You be the captain/I’ll draw the chart
Let your heart be the anchor/And the beat of your own song
Recommendations
References
10. Infiltrating the curriculum
Abstract:
The journey begins
Google is great, but…
One-shot comes up short
Making the pitch
Trying to fit in
Spreading the word
Not your everyday information literacy course
Recommendations
References
11. Visualizing library space for constituents: a 3D representation of space changes in the Christopher Center Library at Valparaiso University
Abstract:
Introduction
Visualization: libraries need to get on the wagon!
A case study in visualization
You can do this too!
Recommendations
References
12. A game of loans: promoting interlibrary loans
Abstract:
Out of sight, out of mind?
Starting a mini-revolution
Working together for the common good
The patron is always right (even when the patron is wrong)
Did it work?
Recommendations
References
13. Certifiable: going rogue with non-library certifications
Abstract:
Introduction
My experience
Certification 1: instructional design
Certification 2: learning management
Certification 3: Quality Matters™
Additional opportunities not discussed in this chapter
Recommendations
References
14. Ambition, innovation, and tenacity
Abstract:
Machiavellian ideology in the library: oh my!
Divas no more: humility front and center
No need to panic! You got this! (You really do!)
Change, challenges, and opportunities: repurposing the library/librarian identity
Wake up! Changes are a happening not tomorrow, but today
Machiavellian principalities in our 2.0 world: get ready, get set…
Industry experience: gain perspective to leverage your own capabilities
Prep to rally allies
Access to insider information
Credibility: give ’em a place at the table
Prepare for success and prove it with assessment
Rally faculty alliances
Recommendations
References
25. Leveraging accreditation to quell the two fears
Abstract:
Survey the battleground
Dig the library’s fox hole
Polish your weapons
Size up your opponents
Attend to the troops
Recommendations
References
26. Political positioning
Abstract:
View from the top/going down (when politics attack)
Transitions and transformation (enemies within)
Campus chaos and library instability
What have I gotten myself into? (political positioning on the big stage)
Welcome Dr. Dean—an era of s(chair)ed governance
Recommendations
References
Index
No. of pages: 340
Language: English
Published: October 24, 2013
Imprint: Chandos Publishing
Paperback ISBN: 9781843347552
eBook ISBN: 9781780634364
MA
Melissa K. Aho
Melissa K. Aho works at the Bio-Medical Library at the University of Minnesota, and is pursuing a PhD in International Development at the University of Southern Mississippi, USA.
Affiliations and expertise
University of Minnesota, USA
EB
Erika Bennett
Erika Bennett is Instruction Services Team Supervisor at Capella University. She has written book chapters, conference papers, and articles on information literacy and assessment. Erika holds an MLIS and an MS in Educational Psychology.