Strategic Leadership in a crisis: digital adaptation, resilience, and service continuity in South Africa’s academic library during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

shared. The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented crisis that significantly disrupted essential services and leadership practices within academic libraries worldwide. This study explored the strategic leadership of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Library during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, focusing on how senior management navigated the challenges to sustain library services. Using a qualitative exploratory design, purposive sampling was employed to select eight members of the top management team—senior managers and departmental heads—with direct leadership responsibilities during the pandemic. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analysed thematically, employing open coding and constant comparison techniques to identify emergent themes relating to leadership styles, practices, and challenges. Findings reveal that strategic leaders at UKZN Library demonstrated agile and adaptive leadership, employing crisis management meetings, resource provision for remote work, and proactive communication to manage service disruptions effectively. Leadership styles were characterized by empathy, collaboration, and accountability, which were critical in maintaining staff morale and operational continuity. However, leaders faced significant challenges, including poor internet connectivity, inadequate digital leadership training, work-life balance difficulties, and resistance to change. The study highlights the importance of strategic leadership competencies such as digital literacy, flexibility, and emotional intelligence in navigating complex crises in academic libraries. This research contributes to the limited literature on academic library leadership during crises, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive leadership frameworks that address the unique challenges faced in digital and uncertain environments. Recommendations include enhanced leadership development programs focusing on digital skills, change management, and wellbeing support to better prepare academic libraries for future disruptions. This research offers valuable insights for current and aspiring library leaders, policymakers, and scholars interested in strategic leadership in higher education settings during times of crisis.