Leading in difficult times: what can we learn from the literature?

This article reviews the recent management literature and LIS literature looking for practical help for academic librarians seeking to lead effectively in the current economic recession. A number of pointers are found under the broad headings of embracing change, focusing on people and focusing on value. There is a lot of overlap and agreement between the two literatures on what is needed, and although both call for a different style of leadership for the future, the difference appears to be one of emphasis rather than a fundamental change.