Both authors would be well known to most readers, and this book is their third collaborative effort. Following on from their more general management text, this volume focuses specifically on the function of leadership in twenty‐first century libraries and related organizations. The authors make the point in their introduction that the challenges facing information services around the world, with major generational change at the top and the massive impact of services such as Google and Amazon, call for informed and responsive leadership that will be able to react appropriately to such challenges. In researching material for this volume, Evans and Ward undertook surveys and interviews with key professionals in a range of libraries, archives and related institutions to provide a practitioner viewpoint to help inform their views. The result is a book that will not only help those embarking on a leadership role but also provide insights and stimulus to those who have been in such positions for many years.
The first couple of chapters provide the usual sort of introduction and overview of leadership in organizations, ending with a discussion of leadership in the twenty‐first century and the challenges – and responses – the authors see as key for success. This is followed by an extensive chapter on a more personal level focusing on assessing and developing your own leadership potential. This theme is continued with chapters on creating high‐performing teams and thinking and acting strategically. There is also a lengthy chapter on honing political skills (knowing where the power lies, networking and visibility, negotiation, partnerships and alliances, etc). There is also a substantial section titled “E Leadership”, which is perhaps the most valuable, and unique, part of the book. Here the authors talk about the e‐challenges being faced in the information environment and the manner in which leaders can respond to these challenges. They also discuss opportunities that have only become possible with the growth of the networked environment and how leaders might exploit these avenues. Interestingly, they conclude that e‐leadership is not really very different from the traditional, face‐to‐face approach – it is more a more a question of emphasis.
The last two chapters draw on the interviews and surveys, illustrating points by reference to “real world” situations. This focuses on a wide range of difficult issues a leader has to face and ends with an examination of critical success factors.
Each chapter is peppered with boxes highlighting key readings, providing pithy quotations, suggesting activities and providing helpful memory joggers. There is also a good bibliography, although most are to print‐based resources, with very few online references. As with their other collaborations, Evans and Ward have provided a highly readable, sensible and useful text relevant to both student and practitioner alike, with a real basis in practical applications. It is a shame their publisher did not invest a little more in the design and production of this useful volume.
