Becoming a Chief Librarian: An Analysis of Transition Stages in Academic Library Leadership

he author explores how the four-part model of transition cycles identified by Nicholson and West (1988) applies to becoming a chief librarian of an academic library. The four stages - preparation, encounter, adjustment, and stabilization - are considered from the micro-, mezzo-, and macrolevels of the organization, as well as for their psychological and social impact on the new job incumbent. An instrument for assessment of transitional success which could be administered in the adjustment or stabilization stage is considered.

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