Development project - supporting leadership and management within university libraries by utilizing the ethical leadership model

The purpose of the development project was to promote the well-being of directors and thereby the well-being of employees. Studies have shown that the well-being of directors is directly related to employee well-being. The year 2009 was particularly stressful for the members of the Council for Finnish University Libraries, since in addition to other changes in library operations, the effects of the new Universities Act became apparent in that year and increased the workload of university libraries. Another challenges addressed within the framework of the project were the merger strategies of libraries at Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences and the general re-division of library services. Some of the library directors are approaching retirement and should be given the opportunity to start the transition and adjustment process.

The management of university libraries was strongly committed to the project. In addition to library directors, members of the management groups of some of the universities took part in the project. The working methods included lectures, group discussions and assignments. The project introduced the participants to methods relating to different areas of ethical leadership.

The network approach for implementing the project worked surprisingly well: the participants coming from all over Finland have found the time to attend the sessions. To facilitate travel arrangements, the project schedule was reorganized by replacing all half-day sessions with full-day appointments. The Finnair cabin crew strike limited the number of participants in the last session.

The participants expressed the hope that discussions on ethical questions could be continued within the council, especially when considering collaboration with universities of applied sciences and national library services. They also agreed that some kind of revision days, perhaps under the supervision of our excellent instructor, should be arranged on an annual basis.

The project was funded by Kaiku Occupational Wellbeing Support Services, State Treasury, Finland.