Starting a new leadership position often involves learning institutional culture, building relationships, and assessing departmental priorities. Beginning this role during a major facilities disruption, however, presents additional challenges. This presentation explores the experience of a new academic library director who assumed their position just as the library prepared for a significant renovation requiring the relocation of services, staff, and collections into temporary spaces across campus for approximately two years.
The poster presentation reflects on how managing a large-scale move and renovation project shaped early leadership priorities, communication strategies, and decision-making processes. Topics include supporting staff through uncertainty, maintaining core library services in temporary environments, and building collaborative relationships with campus partners during a period of significant change. The poster will also highlight lessons learned about flexibility, transparency, and change management while leading a library through physical and organizational disruption.
This poster presentation offers practical insights for new and aspiring library leaders who may encounter large-scale projects, facility renovations, or institutional transitions early in their leadership roles. Participants will gain strategies for navigating complex change while supporting staff and sustaining library services.
