Library Leadership and Succession Planning in Vietnam

Succession planning is the process of preparation for potential managerial positions. In library and information sector, succession planning is not only necessary for library leadership preparation, but also good for qualified employees with regard to promotion. Succession planning is also a good way to retain qualified staff and encourage all employees to perform their tasks better so as to be on the list of potential successors. Succession planning goes through different stages and requires contributions from different types of employees at all levels. Succession planning should be considered from the time of recruitment of employees to identification of potential for higher positions in the future. Although foundational research on succession planning in a library and information environment has been undertaken, it has not been applied in Vietnam where library leadership and succession planning is currently not strong. There is a particular need for a suitable model of succession planning process for library and information organizations to guide library leaders in preparing for the next generation of leadership - both in Vietnam and globally.