Focusing on the point of contrast between the library, whose primary role is the preservation of knowledge, and other dimensions of an information society where knowledge has become increasingly fragmented and exteriorized, this paper begins by defining leadership and reviewing various meanings assigned to the term "discourse." Several topics are then discussed, including the fundamental importance of the individual's contribution to the creation of a discourse through which a community is constituted; the rules by which these actions are authorized and judged; and the relationship between speech (or communication) and power. These notions are used to emphasize some key aspects of the leadership role in librarianship. An examination of the outer world (society at large) leads to a discussion of two dimensions of information and knowledge in society, i.e., the external dimension of the information age, and internal dimension, or inner realm, of librarianship. In conclusion it is suggested that libraries bear the critical burden of preserving knowledge, facilitating access to it, and participating in the discourse of the information society. (60 notes) (CGD)