Directing and leading are two major components of human resource management in a library. This article analyses their characteristics, pointing out similarities and differences. Similarly, the importance of motivating employees, a participative decision-making and the communication within the organisation for effective management is emphasised. Translation of "Directing and Leading", del libro Managing today's library: blueprint for change, WEINGAND, Darlene. Colorado: Librarries Unlimited, Inc. 1994. ISBN 0-87287-807-4. Translated by Lozano Palacios, A, with the collaboration of the students of Faculty of Library and Information Science, University of Granada.