The Influence of Political Capital on Academic Library Leadership

Given the extremely rapid state of change occurring in academic libraries due to funding cuts, shifts from physical to digital collections, changes in the use of physical spaces, changing information-seeking patterns and information use by faculty and students, the ability of library directors to advance their vision for the library becomes crucial. This is not to say that library directors are without decision-making power or the ability to establish vision, set agendas, and implement plans. However, in many cases, the provost, budget director, building and grounds manager, vice presidents, and the president offer support for activities depending upon their level of interest, oversight, and buy-in. As library directors seek support for initiatives, alignment with those having political capital becomes increasingly important.