Navigating Complexity
Strategies for Libraries in a Rapidly Changing World
Keywords:
systems thinking, conversational leadership, Knowledge Café, Libraries, VUCA, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguousAbstract
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.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mairéad Mc Keown and Amy Bond
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
