“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” (Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince, 1532)
In ETL504, we are currently learning about change management and strategic planning. As I have been reading and learning about these topics, an unexpected turn of events has meant that I have been tasked with an urgent library relocation and redevelopment at school. It’s always a little spooky life imitates art, or in this case, my study!
This library redevelopment is due to complications from some building works, which means the permanent relocation of our Early Learning library. I have had to set-up meetings with executive leadership, liaise with staff from across the school, strategise options with the wonderful library technician team, put together a proposed timeline, approve budgeting and organise logistics…. all within a six-week timeline and the prolonged absence of my Head of Library! My brain has been spinning just trying to process all that needs to happen in such a short amount of time. The key takeaway for me has been to get everyone on the same page, maintain clear communication and establish a shared vision (Holmes, 2013).
Ideally, strategic planning would happen in a more thorough and considered way, but sometimes circumstances conspire to mean that this is just not possible. I didn’t realise that as a Teacher Librarian this could fall inside my remit. This experience has, however, underscored how important it is to have an understanding of leadership in a school library context as we can be called upon at any time!
Reference List
Holmes, K., Clement, J., & Albright, J. (2012). The complex task of leading educational change in schools. School Leadership & Management, 33(3), 270-283. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2013.800477
Machiavelli, N. (1532). The Prince (P. Bondanella, Trans.). Oxford University Press.
Image Source: Photo by Luke Heibert on Unsplash