Developing Your Leadership Voice as an Academic Librarian: Finding Authenticity and Impact

As academic librarians, we don’t just manage collections or support research—we wear many hats, acting as mentors, researchers, advocates, and leaders. Our roles are dynamic, and our leadership voices are critical in shaping not only how we communicate but also how we drive innovation, foster collaboration, and influence the future of our institutions. But what does it truly mean to develop a leadership voice in the unique context of academic libraries? And how can we cultivate one that is both authentic to who we are and impactful in advancing our mission?

Drawing from Amy Jen Su’s insights in The Leader You Want to Be, this essay looks at strategies that will help you discover, refine, and amplify your leadership voice, all while staying rooted in your core values. Whether you’re just beginning working in libraries or have years of experience, leadership is not defined by titles or positions. It’s a mindset—a way of navigating challenges, inspiring those around you, and creating lasting change. And as an academic librarian, you’re already on that path.

1. Know Yourself: Aligning Values with Leadership

   The first step in developing your leadership voice is understanding who you are. As Su emphasizes, great leaders strongly connect to their core values, which guide their decisions and interactions. For academic librarians, this can mean recognizing the passion that led you to this profession in the first place—whether it’s a commitment to intellectual freedom, a drive to promote equitable access to resources, or a desire to mentor students.

2. 
   

   For instance, if you value intellectual freedom, this could translate into advocating for policies that support open access or challenging book bans that threaten academic discourse. If mentorship is central to your role, your leadership voice might be amplified by guiding student workers or early-career librarians through their professional journeys.

   Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

   • What core values drive your work as a librarian?

   • How do these values influence the way you interact with your colleagues, faculty, and students?

     
     

   When your leadership voice aligns with your values, it comes across as genuine and confident, which resonates more deeply with those around you. Authenticity breeds trust, which is the foundation of strong leadership in any academic setting.

   
   

3. Stay Present: Finding Focus Amid Distraction

   Su talks about presence as a key trait of effective leadership—being fully engaged and focused in the moment, no matter how chaotic your day is. In academic libraries, where the demands of patrons, administration, and new technologies often compete for attention, cultivating presence is crucial.

   
   

   For example, during a reference consultation, being fully present with a student researching for a capstone project can foster trust and ensure they receive the guidance they need. Similarly, in a faculty committee meeting, practicing active listening can help you better advocate for library services in curriculum planning discussions, ensuring the library remains an integral part of academic programs.

   A practical way to build presence is to focus on active listening. This means slowing down in meetings or conversations with colleagues, students, or faculty members, and truly listening to their concerns or ideas without planning your response as they speak. When people feel heard, they are more likely to engage and trust your leadership.

   
   

   If you’ve ever found yourself stretched too thin, balancing research support with collection development and administrative duties, remember this: your voice is most powerful when you are present. Su reminds us that multitasking dilutes our effectiveness. Instead, commit to one task or conversation at a time, and you’ll find your leadership voice naturally becomes more focused and grounded.

   
   

4. Lead from the Inside Out: Building Resilience and Confidence

   As academic librarians, we often work in environments that can resist change—whether that’s in implementing new technologies, navigating budget cuts, or advocating for our role in institutional decision-making. Leadership, then, requires resilience. Su’s concept of leading from the inside out—building an inner foundation of confidence and resilience—speaks directly to this challenge.

   Consider, for example, advocating for a new discovery tool or an open educational resources initiative when faculty may be hesitant about the learning curve or skeptical of its impact. Or navigating resistance when budgets for collections are cut, and you must make difficult decisions on resource allocation while balancing faculty requests and student needs.

   
   

   But how do you build resilience in an environment that sometimes feels overwhelming? One way is to focus on small wins. Celebrate the moments when you successfully advocate for a new resource or service, or when you mentor a student who goes on to thrive in their research. These small victories fuel your confidence and remind you that leadership is a process, not a single moment of achievement.

   
   

   Additionally, as librarians, we are lifelong learners. Su emphasizes continuous growth as a cornerstone of strong leadership. Keep sharpening your skills, whether by learning more about AI, open educational resources, or diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. The more you invest in your own development, the more resilient and confident you’ll feel in leading others.

   
   

5. Communicate with Intention: Crafting Your Message

   Your voice as a leader is not just about what you say—it’s how you say it. Su talks about the power of intentional communication, which resonates deeply in academic librarianship. We often serve as a bridge between faculty, students, and administrators, translating their needs into actionable plans.

   
   

   For instance, when communicating with faculty about implementing a new database, clarity ensures they understand the benefits and how it supports their research. Similarly, when students are unfamiliar with certain services, clear messaging—whether in person, on the library website, or through social media—can improve their engagement with library resources.

   
   

   To communicate with intention, consider these strategies:

   • Clarity: Ensure that your message is clear and free of jargon. Whether you’re speaking in a meeting or drafting a proposal, aim for simplicity without sacrificing depth.

   • Empathy: Understand the needs and emotions of your audience. Whether it's faculty hesitant to adopt a new platform or students overwhelmed with research, empathy helps you tailor your message for maximum impact.

   • Inspiration: Every time you communicate, ask yourself: how can I inspire action? Whether it’s advocating for open access or encouraging students to use new library tools, your leadership voice should motivate others to take the next step.

     
     

6. Sustain Your Energy: Avoiding Burnout

   Finally, one of Su’s most important lessons is that a strong leadership voice is sustained by energy management, not time management. As librarians, we often feel like we have to do it all—handle the day-to-day demands while planning long-term strategies. But Su reminds us that our energy is a finite resource, and burnout is real, especially in fields like ours where emotional labor is a constant factor.

   For academic librarians, the intense demand for research consultations or support during finals, or the launch of a major library initiative such as a new institutional repository, can be particularly taxing. By managing your energy and focusing on sustainable practices, you can maintain a leadership presence even during these high-stress times.

   
   

   To sustain your leadership voice, make time for activities that recharge you. Maybe it’s reading about the latest trends in library science, taking a walk around campus, or engaging in meaningful conversations with colleagues. Find what restores your energy and build it into your routine. Your leadership voice will be stronger and more vibrant when you’re not running on empty.

   
   

Conclusion: Your Leadership Voice Matters

Your leadership voice is not just important—it’s essential. As Amy Jen Su teaches, leadership is about staying true to who you are while adapting to the ever-changing needs of those around you. For librarians, this means aligning our values with the demands of our institutions, being present in the moment, building resilience to navigate challenges, and communicating with empathy and clarity.

By developing your leadership voice, you’re not only advancing your own career—you’re driving meaningful change in your library, supporting your colleagues, and empowering your students to succeed. Every conversation, decision, and action you take is an opportunity to influence the direction of your institution and the broader academic community.