Full Description
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.
Contents
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...
Go!
Relevance + speaking with authority + risk taking = Machiavellian librarian
The road less traveled: how the hell did I became a librarian?
Lessons learned
A small note on gender: why professional women librarians shouldn't hesitate to step up and "lean in”
A bright side to Machiavelli's principles in our libraries
Taking a Machiavellian approach to your career as a librarian
The University of Notre Dame and the Incredible First Year Librarian
Seeking out the campus sage: obtaining wisdom from your institution's leaders outside the library
To be or not to be: Machiavellian
Sound advice from a non-librarian
What I learned along the way
The non-profit "aha” moment in leadership
Preparing for the next stages of your librarian career
Final thoughts on lessons learned
References
Part 3: Types of Armies
15. Communicating with the "prince” to win the war
Abstract:
An example of a successful use of access
Ways to get better access to the "Prince”
Recommendations
References
16. Absens haeres non erit: being in the right place at the right time
Abstract:
Tools and results
Fortune or virtue
Overthrowing the status quo
Before all else, be armed
Tardiness often robs us opportunity
Shameless self-promotion
One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others
The desires of the moment
Changing conduct with changing times
Never was anything great achieved without danger
Recommendations
References
17. Taming the bureaucratic beast, or: how we learned to stop stressing and take control of accreditation
Abstract:
The perfect storm
Background
Accreditation: everybody does it, but nobody seems to know much about it
Librarians and the campus community
The AVC library experience
Leveraging the accreditation self-study
The accreditation team recommendation and its aftermath
An unexpected windfall
Recommendations
References
18. An army of one: the way in which the strength of school libraries ought to be measured
Abstract:
Concerning the power of alliances
Fortify your library
Concerning the way in which all libraries ought to be measured
How a school library can conduct themselves so as to gain renown
Recommendations
References
19. Breaking the mold: winning allies via self-discovery
Abstract:
Introduction
IV Recommendations and conclusions
References
20. A Machiavellian metaphor for communication: using the Social Style Model to craft organizational messages
Abstract:
Anatomy of a message
The Social Style Model
Drivers
Analyticals
Expressives
Amiables
Crafting the message
Recommendations
References
21. Rather a prince than a magistrate be: a regional librarian's dilemma
Abstract:
A tale of two campuses
No matter how isolated you are, "they” are watching
Do not forget the pasta salad
A victory for a would-be prince
Be the fox: avoid the traps
Recommendations
References
Part 4: Political Situation
22. Know yourself and your patron: process mapping and needs assessment
Abstract:
Hobby versus occupation
Process mapping: their experience, our job
Process mapping: enhance our competence
Process mapping: case study in mapping to solve problems and save money
Transition: the art of schmoozing
Needs assessment: the importance of knowing the user
Needs assessment: methods
Needs assessment: application and specificity
Needs assessment: considerations in design (developing your battlefield strategy)
Needs assessment: quantitative evaluation—strength in numbers
Needs assessment: qualitative evaluation—tell me a story
Needs assessment: address your weakness, know your strength, never surrender
Needs assessment: example 1—what we did
Needs assessment: example 2—what we did not do
Recommendations
References
23. The accidental Machiavellian: strategic alignment between the university library and the teaching centre
Abstract:
Introduction
Other library sectors
Library collaboration in the literature
A Position outside of the library
Librarians in nontraditional roles
Library benefits
The relationship deepens
Budget savings
Staff professional development
Collaborative program offerings
Other potential strategic alignments
Recommendations
References
24. Slybrarianship: building alliances through user engagement and outreach
Abstract:
Students as stakeholders
Mentoring the lofty librarian
Strategic thinking: shaking assumptions, disparaging myths
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
