Libraries of the future

Researching for assignment 2 and the vision statement for the library, I came across this blog titled, 10 Changes to Expect from the Libraries of the Future. http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2012/04/10-changes-to-expect-from-the-library-of-the-future) Instead of the doom and gloom of libraries and librarians becoming obsolete in the future, these writers talk about how the role of the librarian may change for the better. They discuss how libraries raise the bar by adapting to the changes of technology and always endeavour to adapt for their patrons. Long live the librarian!

Leadership styles

The first part of assignment one for ETL 504 focused on Daniel Goleman who conducted research through Hay/McBer and found 6 different types of Leadership styles that are related to components of Emotional Intelligence.
These styles are:
* Coercive (Commanding). These leaders demand immediate compliance.
* Authoritative (Visionary). These leaders move staff together towards a vision.
* Affiliative - These leaders create harmony in the workplace and develop emotional bonds among staff members.
* Democratic - These leaders use participation to build a consensus among staff.
* Pacesetting - These leaders expect excellence and self-direction.
* Coaching - These leaders help staff to identify their strengths and weaknesses and use those to the best of their ability.

These leadership styles have direct impact on the working atmosphere within a company. The results show that the best leaders don't rely on one leadership style but change their style according to the situation and the person/people that they are dealing with.

The Emotional Intelligence component is broken up into 4 dimensions:
* Self awareness - realising your own strengths and limitations; using your gut to guide decision making and having self- confidence.
* Self management - displaying honesty, integrity, flexibility and optimism; ability to act quickly and grab opportunities as they arise and the drive to improve your own work performance.
* Social awareness - showing empathy towards others and showing an interest in their concerns; recognising and meeting needs of the clients.
* Relationship management - ability to guide and motivate others; using co-operation and team building to initiate and lead staff in new directions; use guidance and feedback to help staff be the best that they can be.

By using positive emotions in the workplace, leaders can bring out the best in all of their staff members.