One Machiavellian librarian’s path toward leadership

Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of one example of what a modern Machiavellian academic librarian might be. Emphasis is placed on a strong work ethic, sense of initiative, ability to get along in the workplace, and practical risk taking. All of these qualities can be viewed as a means for a librarian to advance in terms of leadership within the workplace, or within the context of being promoted to a higher rank in their own position (such as from assistant professor to associate professor). The article stresses the three-legged stool concept that is the tenure and promotion process and demonstrates that a combination of practical work relating directly to day-to-day duties, scholarship, and service, as well as social and political skills all contribute to making a librarian successful within the construct of an academic library.