Distributed Leadership Model: operating principles
The Library operates a distributed leadership model where teams are empowered to make decisions and experiment to improve services for our many communities, guided by our shared Imagine2030 vision. The model is comprised of the Library Management Group and Directorate Management Teams.
Library Management Group is comprised of:
Library Executive Team (aka Library Exec)
Chris Pressler (University Librarian) and the three Directors, Katy Woolfenden (Deputy University Librarian), Sandra Bracegirdle and Ciaran Talbot. This team provides senior strategic leadership for the Library.
Library Leadership Team (aka Leadership Team)
A group of eight leaders from across the Library, with Library-wide responsibility for the smooth operational functioning of Library business. Co-chairs are Sarah Rayner and Dominic Hunt.
Library Management Group (LMG) Advisors
Recognised as sector experts in an Imagine2030 Lead priority Areas; LMG Advisors provide advice and guidance at a strategic level.
Directorate Management Teams (aka DMTs)
Each member of Library Exec leads a group of managers (their direct reports plus relevant service managers) within their Directorate. DMTs are responsible for delivering the enabling themes of Imagine2030 and the operations and services related to their Directorate.
Values, vision and behaviours
Our values are the University’s values. We share in the University’s vision and strategic plan Our future, and the Library’s Imagine2030 vision is our response to this.
The following points encapsulate the Library’s approach:
- We will champion the University’s open knowledge agenda.
- Empowerment is by default, escalation by exception.
- We encourage creativity and imagination.
- We have respect for other views and perspectives.
- In a spirit of innovation, we aim to fail fast and learn quickly.
Joint working and internal communication
- Every member of staff is encouraged to participate and share their own ideas for the Library; these can be taken to any member of Library Exec or Leadership Team or to DMTs. Where there is a significant resource requirement (staff or money) then Leadership Team will consider this. We expect and empower individuals and teams to take ideas forward locally.
- Leadership Team take a collegial approach when considering ideas and potential solutions by providing opportunities for staff to work together​. Leadership Team members do not represent their own areas, but act in the interests of the whole Library.
- Any member of staff is welcome to approach any member of Library Exec or Leadership Team directly.
- Terminology: To avoid having too many abbreviations, we will use 'Library Exec', 'Leadership Team' and the abbreviation 'DMT' (this is easy to both write and say).
- The Deputy Librarian will meet with the Leadership Team co-chairs on a regular basis.
- The Library Management Group will meet regularly to discuss topics of strategic importance, cross-library impact or relevance. These are known as LMG Roundtables.
- All-Staff Meetings will be one of the main vehicles of communication for the timely cascade of key issues and updates to Library staff. These meetings will be recorded and published online, with presentations uploaded as quickly as possible after the meetings have taken place.
- Library Exec and Leadership Team will publish notes and actions from their regular meetings so that Library staff can see and comment on them via their managers. Each DMT member is responsible for being aware of these notes and actions to support the gathering of grass-roots input, and for asking questions of their Library Exec / Leadership Team member at DMT meetings.
- DMT meetings will be flexible according to local need, but should include a regular slot for updates from Library Exec and Leadership Team where necessary. They should also encourage the discussion and generation of new ideas and innovation at a local level.
Review
Distributed Leadership Model Operating Principles will be routinely reviewed in terms of effectiveness and value for Library Management Group, DMTs and the wider Library.
Last review date: 18 November 2025