You're the dean? An inside view of an early career librarian turned administrator
Invited Papers
Abstract
There is no clear path to library leadership. Non-librarians are running some libraries while other library leaders may be hired from outside an organization. Managers can be hired based on potential and not previous experience. Academic libraries need transformative leaders to foster teamwork and innovation in order to best support student learning. This paper will explore the lived experiences of an early career librarian that became a library dean. I will also present strategies for librarians to be intentional and effective leaders, whether or not they seek a formal leadership position.
Description
BIO: Pearl Ly is new to library administration as the Interim Assistant Dean of Library Services for Pasadena City College. She received a dual Masters in Library and Information Science/Latin American Studies from UCLA in 2008. Pearl is currently in the UCSD/CSUSM Joint Doctorate Program for Educational Leadership. Her dissertation topic was recently approved and as a result, she will be delving deeper into the research and practice of leadership and administration of community college libraries. Pearl is an ALA Emerging Leader, ALA Spectrum Scholar, and former Peace Corps Volunteer.
