Skills of academic librarians as leaders in the information field in Puerto Rico

Abstract

The research objectives are: to identify the leaders' opinion about leadership; to identify both the skills necessary to be an effective leader in academic libraries and the way librarians in Puerto Rico develop leadership skills. The researchers used and applied The Jigsaw Model which presents the six components that each and every leader should work: A Leader is a visionary, sets an example, understands what motivates each team member, builds supportive relationships, facilitates empowerment and understands the importance of communication. The research participants were directors of the University of Puerto Rico libraries. This study provides guidelines to develop leadership skills. It also, provided data to develop a guide for future leaders in the Information Science field and in the academic libraries context.