Library leadership - Regina Sutton

From PLN

by Walt Crawford, published December 30, 2007

Regina Sutton is "the first non-librarian in 70 years to be appointed State Librarian and Chief Executive of the Library of New South Wales" [Australia], a position she took in 2006. As noted in this interview in CEOForum, an Australian website and publication, she knew the role "was going to be a challenge"--and put her in charge of a "very different type of organization to her previous employers--Kodak, Telstra and IBM."

Sutton didn't start with sweeping changes:

I did take a very deliberate and conscious decision not to restructure the organisation in the short term, particularly in the absence of a strategy. Instead, I took the approach of working with my team, bringing them along, and working the strategy together as a team.

With a strategy in place, the team is now reviewing the structure and "will probably make some changes, but there is a big difference doing that when you have arrived at a strategy together, rather than simply imposing your views from the beginning."

Sutton believes she would have acted more rapidly in the private sector, but says this of the "more collaborative and consultative approach" she found appropriate for the library field:

It is much more challenging and rewarding to work with an existing team, coach them and watch them grow, rather than simply making wholesale changes from the outset. It takes a lot more stamina, and even humility, to do that successfully

What was expected of her--what was her brief?

Implement a new technology platform enabling them to digitize collection objects.
"Build upon the great work that had already commenced" in digital imaging.
Create electronic catalogue records--"Previously there was almost a total dependence on paper cards that sit within 34 different card catalogues."

Sutton found that staff accepted and welcomed her--"contrary to my expectations." She was pleasantly surprised to find "such passion and enthusiasm for the work that they do and for the institution itself." On the other hand (and where have you heard this before?) people were initially hesitant to speak out and express their viewpoints.

There's more in this interview. Sutton moved from being a senior manager within a remote portion of multinational corporations (largely CEOForum's readership) to being in charge on site--a considerable advantage. She concludes, "I think I have one of the best jobs going in NSW right now!"