by Eldon James
Stephanie Capparell, (seated) News Editor at The Wall Street Journal and co-author of the international bestseller, Shackleton’s Way, signs a copy of her book for Michael A. Golrick, ASCLA President-Elect, while Ms. Kathleen Ann Moeller-Peiffer; ASCLA Past President (left) and Rhonda K. Gould ASCLA President; look on. Capparell told the ASCLA Leadership session attendees that librarians could benefit from following the leadership style of Ernest Shackleton, a British explorer, who turned disaster on an Antarctic voyage into a triumph of courage and human endurance. She said that Shackleton’s leadership style, his ability to manage crises with limited personnel and resources, and to create order out of chaos had application not only in the business world but also the library. Capparell said those applications include, “How to hire good workers, how to support and inspire employees to do their best, and how to lead by personal example – with optimism, egalitarianism, humor, strength, ingenuity, intelligence, and compassion.” The session was on January 9, 2016 Boston Convention Center during ALA’s midwinter meeting.