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Magister Bibliothecologiae - MBibl / This study investigated the following: “Leadership styles of senior librarians in the City of Cape Town”. Stueart and Moran (1998) state that despite the vast amount of knowledge, training and focus on management, little is known about how to lead efficiently and effectively. The motivation behind this study originated from the assumption that determining the different leadership styles of senior librarians could contribute to a more effective public library service. If senior librarians were made aware of particular outcomes prompted by certain behaviour, they would be empowered to evaluate their leadership styles and adapt them in a more effective way, which could in turn lead to a more effective public library service. / South Africa

This study investigated the following: “Leadership styles of senior librarians in the City of Cape Town”. Stueart and Moran (1998) state that despite the vast amount of knowledge, training and focus on management, little is known about how to lead efficiently and effectively. The motivation behind this study originated from the assumption that determining the different leadership styles of senior librarians could contribute to a more effective public library service. If senior librarians were made aware of particular outcomes prompted by certain behaviour, they would be empowered to evaluate their leadership styles and adapt them in a more effective way, which could in turn lead to a more effective public library service. Empirical research techniques were used to apply both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Riggs (2001:6) states that librarians need to understand the difference between management and leadership. If senior librarians understand this difference, they will be able to lead more effectively. Hence, this study focused on transformational leadership, a leadership style which looks at the bigger picture, questions the status quo and focuses on improving services (Riggs, 2001:14). This study aimed to answer the following research questions: What are library managers’ job histories, educational qualifications and historical backgrounds? What are their beliefs about leadership, and how do they view their roles as leaders? Are they emulating a predecessor or leader whom they admire? Do they consciously consider their behaviour, actions and the consequences of their behaviour? In other words, do they apply strategies when they lead? Do managers inspire, motivate and communicate with their staff? Data were collected by means of a questionnaire administered to senior librarians and staff, which allowed the researcher to explore issues not previously thought of or planned for, and this provided valuable new insight into the problem. The results of this study affirmed that this research could contribute to an awareness of leadership in public libraries, and not only concentrate on management, as this could result in organisations becoming too task-driven, with the associated risk of the destination becoming more important than the journey itself. / Magister Bibliothecologiae - MBibl