Buller, J. (2012). The Essential Department Chair: A Comprehensive Desk Reference, 2nd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

This book contains numerous case studies and has been updated to show new department chairs how the guidelines would perform in real-life situations. Topics include the essential of creating a strategic plan, developing and overseeing a budget, key elements of fundraising, preparing for the role of chair, meeting the challenges of mentoring to increase productivity, and creating a more collegial atmosphere.

Buller, J. & Cipriano, R. (2015). A Toolkit for Department Chairs. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

A Toolkit for Department Chairs is designed to give academic administrators the skills they need in order to do their jobs more effectively. Combining case studies, scenarios, practical advice, and problem-solving activities, the book offers chairs a valuable resource for negotiating the real-life challenges they face as academic leaders.

Chu, D. (2012). The department chair primer: what chairs need to know and do to make a difference (2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

The Department Chair Primer gives the reader practical information that chairs need in order to do their job efficiently. Many of the ideas and topics come from practicing chairs and have been proven to be effective in a workplace environment. Each chapter deals with a different issue and tips on how to overcome the problem at hand.

Chun, E., Evans, A. & Gmeich, W. (2015). The Department Chair as Transformative Diversity Leader: Building Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education.Stylus Publishing

Addressed to department chairs, deans, faculty, and administrative leaders in higher education in all Western societies facing demographic change and global challenges, this book offers a critical road map to creating successful academic institutions that will meet the needs of our changing populations.

Dettmar, K. (2022). How to Chair a Department (Higher Ed Leadership Essentials). Johns Hopkins University Press.

How to Chair a Department demystifies this important faculty position and argues that the role of chair, though sometimes seen as a burden, can prove to be a genuine opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Jochum, C. The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Readers will first be challenged to identify their true intentions for leading as a department chair which means acknowledging that what makes one a successful faculty member does not, by itself, equate to being an effective leader. In addition, readers will learn how to establish a healthy culture, the importance of hiring, how to courageously address conflict, the value of mentoring and developing others along with the significance of effectively leading students.