CTELP Residency Presentation

Nancy E. FayAugust 27, 2009

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.

Groucho Marx

Why am I here? The library has something to offer everyone.

Why would a girl need college?

My path here began with a love for words and books that has expanded with time into an appreciation that an early relationship with the library can lead to a strong foundation in learning. Being here is something I once considered far beyond my reach.

We learned early…

The public library is one of the few places where people of all walks of life, background and race may expect to be treated equally.

“There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the Earth as the Free Public Library -- this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” Andrew Carnegie

A varied work history

Has given me a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of all things.

Leadership & Supervision Certification

BS General Studies&

Family Case Management CertificationMLS 2009

While employed with Indiana University I enjoyed working in the African American Arts Institute with student employees and professors.Recently I have served as a writing fellow and tutor, and as an ‘English as a second language’ tutor.

“As a general rule, librarians are a kick in the pants socially, often full of good humor, progressive, and naturally, well read.” 

Bill Hall

This is the perfect job for a person with a varied work and education background, who loves learning, and helping people find information.

Missio : To offer lifelong learning for the community & patrons

Brownsburg Public Library

The Brownsburg library’s mission is very much aligned with my own.

Designed with Patrons in Mind

Creative

Friendly

Innovative

Progressive

Welcoming

This is the wireless area of the library. In assisting patrons, I have found the wireless setup easy to use, and the area very comfortable.

Progressive

Computer lab, Express check, Roving reference

The well equipped computer lab is especially busy with job seekers, a reminder that there are still many people who do not have Internet access (or have inadequate access).

PROGRAMS

•Adult • Children

• Teen

• Area Library Programming

The library offers diverse programs for a diverse community.

Patrons of all ages

Toddlers to senior citizens enjoyed the summer reading program and bash.

Read

A quiet place to read – this boy was reading even through the summer bash activities!

Engaging Activities

A toddler takes a moment away from winning prizes at the summer bash to draw. At the library, everyone is a winner!

Learn & Play

Children have a large area separate from adult areas. This is beneficial for children as well as adults – sound levels, equipment, aesthetics, etc.

Young Adults

A special area and materials are available that appeal to young adults.

Fresh Approaches

Creativity is encouraged. Employees who feel they are valued are generous with their talents.

Friendly and responsive to needs of the individual

Environment

Employees have been there a long time. It’s a great environment. They credit the Leadership… I was told, “It starts at the top and trickles down.”

Wanda Pearson, Director

Amie Thomas, Public Services Denise Robinson, Assistant Director

The Brownsburg Public Library’s administration and staff were very generous with their knowledge, resources, and time; patient, and exceedingly helpful.I was impressed when people said that they were excited to learn from me!

. . . Some didn’t mind having their picture taken.

… And some did, but everyone was considerate and helpful.

Leadership

When something needs to change do it, and take responsibility.

Following are my observations of exceptional leadership in action….

Anticipate and prepare for change

Be flexible

… flexibility is not a “one size fits all” proposition

“Flexibility has to work within the established culture, values, and business requirements of the company, but it allows team players to focus on the work they need to get done and creates goodwill among everyone.

Share knowledge

The more you give the more you get back … be open to learning from the community you serve.

Being a leader means

Decision making, trying new ways of doing things, and knowing that not everyone is going to be open to change… they may need some prodding and convincing.

Being open to a mosaic of solutions

We can learn from our staff and customers as well as experts.

Teamwork

Everyone is encouraged to contribute. This is important to being an innovative, adaptable organization. During my residency I’ve noticed that some of the quieter people are the most creative.

Perspective

Recognize people styles & how others cope and communicate. I highly recommend, “People Styles at Work Making Bad Relationships Good and Good Relationships Better,” by Robert and Dorothy Bolton.

Communication

Communication comes in a variety of forms, and is essential to good working relationships.

Intranet

The Intranet provides an online community that posts up-to-date announcements, departmental information, knowledgebase, training events, calendar, and hosts fun spots: fitness club, thought of the day, and favorite spots, for sharing.

Communication Unification Brainstorming Resolution

Meetings

I went to a lot of meetings, every one of them essential to keeping in touch with and sharing information. Many of them were full of fun.“If a team is well maintained and has good relationships the members will work together effectively…they will be productive and successful in accomplishing a task, and it will be easier to maintain a positive climate and good relations.” Peter G. Northouse.

Libraries are not always quiet

Among other things confirmed while I was there … it really helps to have a sense of humor.

Resident Technology Administrator

Completed Computer Inventory Basic Computer Skills Instruction

Website Recommendations

I had the opportunity to work in every department, with all of the directors. I enjoyed a wide variety of projects to work on, team and independent projects. My mentors quickly picked up on my style, and permitted me to work independently, yet as a part of the team.

In order to manage my time effectively I put together a timeline outlining projects to complete. Following is a brief look at some of these.

Computer Inventory

With the help of Technology Assistant, Leslie Hamm, we labeled and withdrew old computers and peripherals, and labeled new technology equipment.

 This class is about retrieving information from the World Wide Web.

Ask students questions to get them thinking and grounded in the topic we are discussing:

 • What do we mean when we say information?• Who produces it and in what formats? • How is it distributed? How is it retrieved? • In old print world? In new Internet world?  Everyone search the Internet for _________________

• How many hits are you getting?

• What other information do you see that might help you search?

Basic Web Searching

This is a class outline which can be used as a template for other basic computer classes.

Technology Plan - proposal

The technology plan proposal is aimed at helping the library serve computer lab users more effectively efficiently in some high-use tasks.

Handout: job seekers pathfinder.

Website Tools & Links

Library Websites:

American Library Association, winner of the best library website: AADLl.org

Cecil County Public Library, http://www.cecil.ebranch.info/. Complete redesign which showcases Web 2.0 functionalities and customizable content, engages patron participation, features an easy to use navigational structure with prominent displays of library events, materials and resources, and offers a wealth of new content.

Elsevier Library Connect: How to design library websites to maximum usability

Writing for the Web, http://www.useit.com/papers/webwriting/: Research on how users read on the Web and how authors should write their Web pages.

Website Design, Wikipedia - List of Useful Resources & Tools

This is the first page of a pathfinder for website design resources.

Reader’s Advisory

For the Reader’s Advisory I added graphics and title name to hypertext links utilizing the library’s online catalogue, Novelist and Amazon.com.

Let people know they are valued

Keep lines of communication open

Promote commitment to team vision

Capitalize on individual core competences

Set clear direction & expectations

Leadership in Action

Strong, confident leadership sets the atmosphere and pace of the organization. I knew when I walked in the door this was a professional, yet relaxed environment. I wanted to see how they achieved that, and I did.

• Know your community

• Offer significant programs

• Stay in step with technology

• Employ the talents and skills of those around us

When we work together to achieve our commitments, we can exceed expectations.

Thank You to Brownsburg Public Library for an essential learning experience.

Benefits Gained

Professional development and networking

Current library resources and technology

Library work experience

I would have had to work in a library setting much longer to gain the broad range of experience that I have had this summer.

Leadership SLIS S604

• Our studies gave me groundwork in the type of leader I can be.

• How to better utilize my strengths, and not let weaknesses get in the way.

• Helped me form the conviction that I can be a good leader.

Knowing this, and my leadership goals, gives me the ability to offer leadership based on sharing knowledge and freedom of access to information.

Leadership Forum

Treasury of thoughts from forum discussions

As we come into contact with so many people on a daily basis, we have opportunity for self-growth through others’ abundant knowledge and expertise in various areas.

Posted by Jill Marie Fausnaugh, Jun 19, 2009.

Libraries have a lot to offer their communities just like they always have, we just have to be proactive and continue to engage the public in providing a place where they can become informed and communicate pressing issues in a respectful and open manner. 

Posted by James Peter Doane, Jun 16, 2009.

“It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy & community.  Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults.  Libraries can never be shushed.” Comedian and author Paula Poundstone, national spokesperson for Friends of Libraries U.S.A.

              

Before we leave, I want to share this great quote I found with you.

Presentation Notes

Career transitions Executive Leadership Program, Residency PresentationWhat I’ve learned about leadership thru:

The residency Mentors Leadership class and forums

Brownsburg, the community: Is 2nd fastest growing city in Indiana Success oriented Brownsburg public library

Administration & Staff Community programs and cooperation

MeetingsMy job description, what I have accomplished and learned

Advice for your presentation: keep it simple, honest, and straightforward.   Think about:

what you want to sharewhat others might be interested in hearing about! 

Resources: Toastmasters tips on speaking/presenting, etc. Ala – presentation and notes Graphics, graphics graphics! 

The  American Library Association

Resources

Bolton, Robert And Dorothy Grover Bolton. People Styles at Work: Making Bad Relationships Good and Good Relationships Better. Chicago: American Management Association, 1996.

Goldsmith, Marshall. Business Week. Marshall & Friends. April 7, 2009. Northouse, Peter Guy.  Leadership: Theory and Practice. Edition 4. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006.

Photos

Bisinfonet, http://www.bisinfonet.ac.uk/infokits/change-management. Brownsburg Public Library. Cartoonstock.com.Dreamstime.com.Fotosearch.com.ipligence.com/worldmap.istockphoto.com.publicinnovation.org.uk.School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University, www.slis.iupui.edu/.Shepherd Education library web services, www.shepherd.edu/libweb/services.SirsiDynix, Stephen Abram. Top 7 strategies for library success.Vallejo, Boris: The Librarian.