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Introduction
Technology's impact on educational institutions and libraries has been unprecedented. This technological revolution has enabled libraries to provide their users with easy access to multiple information sources through different platforms. It has allowed libraries to improve their accessibility, services, resources, and collections, as well as to completely restructure their management systems. These innovations have transformed the library and information science profession. Rapid technological development, changes in higher education and in users' information-seeking behavior, and the accessibility of library services 24 hours per day, seven days per week, have triggered further change.1
Academic Librarianship in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government strongly supports the development of the country's educational sector. One of the goals set forth by the kingdom's leadership states, "In the year 2030, we aim to have at least five Saudi universities among the top 200 universities in international rankings. We shall help our students achieve results above international averages in global education indicators."2 In 1973, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah became the first university to offer library and information science (LIS) education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Currently, eight universities offer LIS programs at the undergraduate level, and three do so at the graduate level.3 More MPhil and PhD degree programs are needed in Saudi Arabia because most library professionals must travel overseas for an advanced degree.
In Saudi Arabia, the deanship of library affairs is the main body responsible for all the libraries in a university. There are multiple central and college libraries in most universities. Each central library has a director to manage it, and departments have their own section heads and managers. The prerequisite educational qualification for professional staff in these libraries is a bachelor's or a master's degree in LIS. In rare instances, senior staff positions have been filled by leaders who lack a degree in the discipline but have significant experience in library services, practices, and matters.
Our literature review revealed that no study has investigated the state of library leadership in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study is the first of its kind. It explores the fundamental challenges faced by Saudi library leadership and investigates the leadership skills and development strategies needed to overcome them. The study also highlights some approaches to...