An analysis of the two African-American women presidents of the American Library Association: Demographics, leadership duties and responsibilities, leadership styles, and leadership pathways

The purpose of this descriptive research study was to develop characteristics of the 2 African-American women presidents of the American Library Association (ALA). This study analyzed the following: (a) descriptive data on various characteristics of the 2 African-American women presidents, (b) information relative to the leadership duties and responsibilities of the ALA presidency, (c) knowledge regarding the leadership styles of the 2 African-American women presidents, and (d) background information concerning the leadership pathways of the 2 African-American women presidents of ALA. The research questions for this study include: (1) What are the characteristics of the 2 African-American women presidents? (2) What are the leadership duties and responsibilities of the ALA presidency? (3) What are the leadership styles of the 2 African-American women presidents? (4) What are the leadership pathways of the 2 African-American women presidents?; The information in this study is important for African-Americans and other minority professionals who desire to take advantage of the leadership training and professional preparation, but may be unaware of how to navigate the many opportunities available in the Association such as institutes, councils, and committees that are considered helpful for advancement on the path toward the ALA presidency.; The survey instrument (questionnaire) was designed to elicit information regarding the demographics, leadership duties and responsibilities, leadership styles, and leadership pathways leading toward the ALA presidency of the 2 African-American women presidents of ALA.; The population for this study was confined to the 2 African-American women presidents of the American Library Association: Clara S. Jones (1976--1977) and Carla D. Hayden (2003--2004). Both survey instruments (questionnaires) were mailed and both survey instruments (questionnaires) were returned.; The data collected from the 2 African-American women presidents of ALA indicated that there was no clear definitive strategy to navigate the many opportunities available in the Association such as institutes, councils, and committees that were considered helpful for advancement toward the ALA presidency.; It was concluded that both African-American women presidents demonstrated servant leadership behaviors that are closely aligned with the ideals of the ALA.