Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book in a public, school, special, or academic library, is very clear that the new head of 21st century reference will be facing many challenges. Fritch and Mandernack outline the challenges that face reference librarians in the new information environment. Contributors to the present work take a critical look at the challenges and prospects of the 21st century reference department. Kathryn M. Crowe argues that Rost's leadership model of focusing on the influence relationship among leaders and followers rather than on the traits of the leader or the functions of leadership has applications to the academic reference department. Focusing on academic libraries and their reference departments, Felix Unaeze, in Leadership or Management: Expectations for Head of Reference Services in Academic Libraries, delves into the dynamics of leadership and management, the changing roles of the reference library staff.