Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of academic library leaders of Pakistan about library leadership. Qualitative research design was used with phenomenology approach as the present study aims to investigate what library leaders commonly perceive to be challenges, fundamental difficulties and needed skills to be successful. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from 15 senior academic library leaders. Major challenges found were identity crises followed by communication issues, financial constraints, CPD and administrative issues. The most challenging aspects of being an academic library leader were identified as trying to create awareness, lack of self-development culture and technological issues. The required leadership skills were communication, vision, social interaction, team building, organisational understanding and knowledge sharing. The findings of the study are helpful for current, young and future chief librarians to understand the challenges they may face and to develop the leadership skills needed to cope with these challenges. The study will also be helpful to academic institutions during their recruitment processes; professional associations for training purposes; and library schools for arranging and offering leadership courses.

中文翻译：

---

高校图书馆领导者的挑战，困难与技巧：共同经验分析

摘要这项研究的目的是探讨巴基斯坦学术图书馆领导者对图书馆领导力的看法。定性研究设计与现象学方法一起使用，因为本研究旨在调查图书馆领导者通常认为哪些挑战，基本困难和成功所需的技能。通过对15位高级学术图书馆负责人的深入采访收集了数据。发现的主要挑战是身份危机，其次是沟通问题，财务限制，CPD和行政问题。成为学术图书馆领导者最具挑战性的方面被确定为试图提高认识，缺乏自我发展的文化和技术问题。所需的领导技能是沟通，远见，社交互动，团队建设，组织理解和知识共享。该研究的结果有助于当前，年轻和未来的首席图书馆员了解他们可能面临的挑战，并发展应对这些挑战所需的领导技能。该研究还将对学术机构的招聘过程有所帮助；以培训为目的的专业协会；图书馆学校安排和提供领导力课程。