The role of a school librarian is never ending and constantly changing as technology advances. School librarians have to be able to inspire and motivate staff, students, parents, and administration when it comes to vision and so much more. Leadership according to Evans and Alire (2013) can “Bring about good things for an individual, workplace colleagues, and the organization” (p. 320). Leadership requires school librarians to have a vision and convince others “That there is an organizational direction (vision) that is exciting, realistic, and doable” (Evans & Alire, 2013, p. 321).

 

Evans and Alire (2013) recognize that leadership is not easy and that the word can have many different definitions. It is important that school librarians understand the difference between being a manager and a leader. Managers “Operate on authority” and leaders are experts in their field and can facilitate communication (Evans & Alire, 2013, p. 325). Evans and Alire (2013) write about different types of leadership, such as transformational or transactional leadership. Transformational leadership is described as “Leaders have vision, self-confidence, and the ability to arouse strong follower support” (p. 323). Transactional leadership according to Evans and Alire (2013) takes place when there is an exchange of valued “things” between leaders and followers” (p. 323). There are other types of leadership styles for school librarians to follow and attempt to emulate. However, the main concept to take away from leadership is the importance good leadership can have for a school library. Phil Goerner (2013) writes, “Librarians must be assertive” and that school librarians need to make their “Worth known to the principal as a school leader and as a 21st century librarian” (School Library Journal Online). Goerner (2013) explains the importance of school librarians taking on leadership roles with in their schools. School librarians, according to Goerner (2013), need to document and collect data as evidence that supports their organizational and personal goals for the school library. Goerner (2013) writes that school librarians can use this information to “Show administrators how librarians positively impact student achievement” (School Library Journal Online). .