Navigating Complexity

Strategies for Libraries in a Rapidly Changing World

Authors

  • Mairéad Mc Keown Knowledge & Market Intelligence Manager, Bord Bia, Dublin
  • Amy Bond Assistant Librarian and Information Specialist, Bord Bia, Dublin

Keywords:

systems thinking, conversational leadership, Knowledge Café, Libraries, VUCA, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous

Abstract

In a world marked by rapid change and increasing complexity, libraries can play a pivotal role in helping communities navigate uncertainties. This article summarises the presentation ‘How We Make Better Sense of a Rapidly Changing and Complex World,’ delivered at the Health Sciences Libraries Group annual conference in March 2025. The presentation, led by Mairéad Mc Keown and Amy Bond, explored the challenges posed by a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world and proposes strategies for libraries and librarians to thrive. This includes adopting a systems-thinking approach, practicing conversational leadership, and leveraging the Knowledge Café methodology to foster dialogue and collaboration. Our presentation underscored the importance of developing 21st-century skills and AI literacy to remain adaptable and resilient.

References

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Kurylo, L. (2021, September 6). Systems Thinking - A Key Competency for a 'VUCA' World. Linkedin. Retrieved 4 January 2025, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/systems-thinking-key-competency-vuca-world-laurent-kurylo/

McKeown, M., & Bond, A. (2025, March 6). How we make better sense of a rapidly changing and complex world. HSLG Conference 2025. Cultivating Curiosity: A Wonderland for Librarians, Dublin. https://hslg.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HSLG2025-Knowledge-Cafe-how-we-make-better-sense-of-a-rapidly-changing-and-complex-world-MMK-AB.pdf

Systems Innovation. (2018, February 23). Systems Thinking—Rethink Everything [Video recording]. Retrieved 8 May 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pz_KyB7ztY

Wikipedia. (2024). 21st century skills. In Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 4 January 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=21st_century_skills&oldid=1237942805

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Published

2025-06-27

Issue

Section

Practice-based articles

How to Cite

Mc Keown, M., & Bond, A. (2025). Navigating Complexity: Strategies for Libraries in a Rapidly Changing World . Health Sciences Libraries Journal, 1(1), 20-24. https://journals.ucc.ie/index.php/hslj/article/view/4513