542LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND ACADEMIC LIBRARIES OF THE FUTUREThe purpose of this research is to investigate how academic library leaders build their understanding of effective leadership skills. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to obtain the views, activities and experiences of volunteer participants from two universities and one college. The study suggests that library leaders need some effective and successful leadership qualities such as building a clear vision, building relationships, advocating and credibility, collaborative skills, inspiration and motivation, clear communication and ability to manage change. The study also focuses on leadership approaches of library leaders for the present and future leadership in academic libraries and their satisfaction with the organizationsmaslam@unizwa.edu.omResearch712017Academic libraries,leadership qualities,library leaders,leadership development,skills and competencies,Future leadershipMohammad AslamDirector of the University Library, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman.