I searched through my old e-mails for the topic " LSSI" becauseI am currently listening to the CD version of the New York Times # 1 "business best seller," Delivering Happiness, by Tony Hsieh. I'm only half way through it, but as I listened this morning I recalled our discussion about LSSI and Santa Clarita and Camarillo Public Libraries being turned over to private business management.
In the book, Delivering Happiness, Tony Hsieh discusses going through a number of tough decisions to make Zappos profitable. And even though this is a capitalist venture, one of the lessons he learned may also apply to libraries: A major turning point in the success of Zappos is when Tony realized that one should "never outsource your core competency." I did some additional research online and found these comments in a review of the book:
1. Never Outsource Your Core Competency
2. Your Culture Is Your Brand
3. Service That WOWs Translates to Great Marketing
I wonder if LSSI and other private companies running libraries have the same passion to "Deliver Happiness" and to provide WOW customer service?
Just thought I would throw it out there for what it is worth considering. What is our "core Competency?" What is our "culture" or brand? What do we do best to WOW our patrons?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 03, 2010
Increasing Intuition without Tuition
I love all the free online training and videos. Some of the best can be found while sitting at home watching TED videos. Thanks to Information Today other knowledge sharing websites have been identified and reviewed for your edification.
A summary of the weblinks follows:
TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, and Design)
DLD Conference (Digital Life Design)
GEL Conference (Good Experience Live)
Big Think
POP! TECH
e-Corner Stanford
Video Lectures
A summary of the weblinks follows:
TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, and Design)
DLD Conference (Digital Life Design)
GEL Conference (Good Experience Live)
Big Think
POP! TECH
e-Corner Stanford
Video Lectures
"Anythink Libraries"
This morning I read the article, In the Country of Anythink by Norman Oder, Library Journal, Nov.15,2010, pp 18-23, and available online. I like the brand "Anythink" selected by the Adams County, Colorado libraries for their persona makeover. What a great idea. The library has also given new personas to their staff members: library aides, responsible for "materials handling" are Wranglers; library assistants, responsible for on-the-floor customer service are Concierges (a more liberal, Americanized term than its original French definition of an apartment building caretaker and message-taker), and librarians providing reference are Guides. The idea of re-naming those who work in libraries is actually a good idea since over the years it has become common to call anyone a librarian who works in a library regardless of their position. Furthermore, the label has become rather dreary and tired, even though The Adventures of the Librarian DVDs has added a more energetic image of librarians.
Their director, Pam Sandlian Smith, applied the G.A.S.P. (graphics, ambience, style, and presentation) guidelines that she used in West Palm Beach Library. We discussed G.A.S.P. when one of our staff members brought back slides of the renovation in West Palm Beach and I wrote about it here in April of 2007. It blends well with our additional key ideas of community, safety, charm, and triangulation (communication enhancement by triangulating seating and furniture.) I liked the photographs included in the article, particularly the one showing the "r e a d" light above one of the lounge enclaves. Very nice. I also like their stand-up service points, called a perch, although I think it is more realistic to include a real perch, that is, a "lean to" chair that one can use to relieve long periods of pressure on the feet, standing for hours at a time. I like promoting the library as a place of unlimited learning and "The Best Place to Get Away From It All," provided there really are areas for getting away from the din of the world to read, reflect, and imagine. I think their "fine-free" policy is excellent because it removes tedious work for the staff to give more meaningful and useful help; and perhaps a yearly funding event might bring in equal revenue. (Just a thought.)
Technology lending/purchasing (of iPads, Flip cameras, and other similar items) gives hands-on training strengthening staff skills and knowledge to assist patrons. Their efforts to brighten the library and parking lot, staff name tags and uniforms with their logos is a superb way to reinforce their brand and extend the playful, creative atmosphere. Good ideas we could implement.
While t-shirts with slogans like "SHHH is a four-letter word" is a bit more than I would pursue (LOVE is also a four-letter word), and I still believe the seven-letter word, SILENCE, is truly golden. However I do support all patrons having a welcome environment -- from active children's programming to student discussion areas, to silent reading, research, and study nooks and carrels.
I compared our county statistics to the chart, on page 21 of the article, and while I don't know what our per capital library budget runs, our number of branches and cardholders are higher although our population is about 60,600 less than Adams County, Colorado. Land area is the same, 2,000 square miles.
All in all, I like the idea of branding the library to increase appeal to our community; and I like the makeover personas for staff. What names could we come up with?
Their director, Pam Sandlian Smith, applied the G.A.S.P. (graphics, ambience, style, and presentation) guidelines that she used in West Palm Beach Library. We discussed G.A.S.P. when one of our staff members brought back slides of the renovation in West Palm Beach and I wrote about it here in April of 2007. It blends well with our additional key ideas of community, safety, charm, and triangulation (communication enhancement by triangulating seating and furniture.) I liked the photographs included in the article, particularly the one showing the "r e a d" light above one of the lounge enclaves. Very nice. I also like their stand-up service points, called a perch, although I think it is more realistic to include a real perch, that is, a "lean to" chair that one can use to relieve long periods of pressure on the feet, standing for hours at a time. I like promoting the library as a place of unlimited learning and "The Best Place to Get Away From It All," provided there really are areas for getting away from the din of the world to read, reflect, and imagine. I think their "fine-free" policy is excellent because it removes tedious work for the staff to give more meaningful and useful help; and perhaps a yearly funding event might bring in equal revenue. (Just a thought.)
Technology lending/purchasing (of iPads, Flip cameras, and other similar items) gives hands-on training strengthening staff skills and knowledge to assist patrons. Their efforts to brighten the library and parking lot, staff name tags and uniforms with their logos is a superb way to reinforce their brand and extend the playful, creative atmosphere. Good ideas we could implement.
While t-shirts with slogans like "SHHH is a four-letter word" is a bit more than I would pursue (LOVE is also a four-letter word), and I still believe the seven-letter word, SILENCE, is truly golden. However I do support all patrons having a welcome environment -- from active children's programming to student discussion areas, to silent reading, research, and study nooks and carrels.
I compared our county statistics to the chart, on page 21 of the article, and while I don't know what our per capital library budget runs, our number of branches and cardholders are higher although our population is about 60,600 less than Adams County, Colorado. Land area is the same, 2,000 square miles.
All in all, I like the idea of branding the library to increase appeal to our community; and I like the makeover personas for staff. What names could we come up with?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Columbus Neighborhoods
One of the most interesting presentations I attended this year at the Internet Librarian conference focused on the community web page project built for Columbus, Ohio called Columbus Neighborhoods.
This is an excellent example of a library involving its citizenry in participating to build an online archive of historical and cultural information representing all members. The library initially applied for an IMSL (Institute of Museum and Library Services) grant and did not receive it. Fortunately the library was able to partner with several regional businesses and organizations, including the public media network, WOSU to build the project.
The online web project was initially outsourced to Interactive Knowledge (the group that did the Ken Burns' product for television) for approximately $18,000. The project was accomplished in about three months. Then, once online, the site is maintained by the community with minimal library maintenance. The community monitors itself. Also, volunteers load content and moderate the website.
Content, which originally started as a postcard database, is accessible by location, neighborhood, photo or video galleries, date posted, and embedded code. After completing the initial phase, the project members stipulated goals for Phase II in 2011, as "Mobile Device Compatibility," mobile uploads, and GEO Tags. And Phase III is scheduled in 2012 for what they call "bridging between virtual and physical space" by promoting a "Traveling multi-touch display" that will rotate to various community locations within Columbus, such as the zoo and museums.
The library reference staff answers question from the community regarding the Columbus Neighborhoods project and the neighborhood regions. The reference librarians enjoy answering neighborhood-specific questions.
The project has proved to be very popular with the Columbus community. In regards to copyright matters, the "content contributor" determines the "owner." If complaints are registered as to content or provenance of content, these are reviewed by volunteers and removed from the public pages as needed. Even in such cases, the content originally uploaded is still viewable to the contributor, although blocked from the "public" view.
An interesting fact is that by design the website, hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library web servers, is only quietly promoted on their website (bottom of the library web page.) Furthermore, on the Columbus Neighborhoods website there is no link back to the library -- by choice. One of the goals of the project is to emphasize community ownership.
Visit Columbus Neighborhoods to appreciate the fine accomplishment of the Columbus Metropolitan Library staff working in partnership with local organizations and community members.♠
This is an excellent example of a library involving its citizenry in participating to build an online archive of historical and cultural information representing all members. The library initially applied for an IMSL (Institute of Museum and Library Services) grant and did not receive it. Fortunately the library was able to partner with several regional businesses and organizations, including the public media network, WOSU to build the project.
The online web project was initially outsourced to Interactive Knowledge (the group that did the Ken Burns' product for television) for approximately $18,000. The project was accomplished in about three months. Then, once online, the site is maintained by the community with minimal library maintenance. The community monitors itself. Also, volunteers load content and moderate the website.
Content, which originally started as a postcard database, is accessible by location, neighborhood, photo or video galleries, date posted, and embedded code. After completing the initial phase, the project members stipulated goals for Phase II in 2011, as "Mobile Device Compatibility," mobile uploads, and GEO Tags. And Phase III is scheduled in 2012 for what they call "bridging between virtual and physical space" by promoting a "Traveling multi-touch display" that will rotate to various community locations within Columbus, such as the zoo and museums.
The library reference staff answers question from the community regarding the Columbus Neighborhoods project and the neighborhood regions. The reference librarians enjoy answering neighborhood-specific questions.
The project has proved to be very popular with the Columbus community. In regards to copyright matters, the "content contributor" determines the "owner." If complaints are registered as to content or provenance of content, these are reviewed by volunteers and removed from the public pages as needed. Even in such cases, the content originally uploaded is still viewable to the contributor, although blocked from the "public" view.
An interesting fact is that by design the website, hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library web servers, is only quietly promoted on their website (bottom of the library web page.) Furthermore, on the Columbus Neighborhoods website there is no link back to the library -- by choice. One of the goals of the project is to emphasize community ownership.
Visit Columbus Neighborhoods to appreciate the fine accomplishment of the Columbus Metropolitan Library staff working in partnership with local organizations and community members.♠
What is API? AMI? QR?
Every year when I return from the Internet Librarian conference in Monterey I make time to review the new acronyms and terms I've learned. Whether I personally use the new words and initialisms frequently is not as important as being cognizant of them -- because I do expect to run across them again in my work or hear them from patrons. It is always useful to review the new terms I've encountered before much time passes following the conference.
What is an API? This acronym is not new, but I feel a need to differentiate it from the AMI acronym below. I nearly always have to refresh my memory about APIs. An API is, as described by Wikipedia, an application programming interface used by a software program that "enables it to interact with other software. It may include specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and protocols used to communicate between the consumer and the implementer of the API." Examples are Java, Carbon, Cocoa, and DirectX. They allow the combination of multiple services on a web page, often resulting in what is known as a "mash-up" or a blend of applications that allow a more interactive and participatory Web experience for users.
What is an AMI? AMI represents Ambient Intelligence. According to the Free Dictionary and Wikipedia, Ambient Intelligence refers to "electronic environments that are sensitive and responsive to the presence of people." Ambient Intelligence is customized, interactive, and possesses characteristics such as being
* embedded: many networked devices are integrated into the environment
* context aware: these devices can recognize you and your situational context
* personalized: they can be tailored to your needs
* adaptive: they can change in response to you
* anticipatory: they can anticipate your desires without conscious mediation.
Criticisms of AMI include concerns regarding loss of consumer privacy and loss of personal empowerment. "New thinking on Ambient Intelligence distances itself therefore from some of the original characteristics such as adaptive and anticipatory behaviour and emphasizes empowerment and participation to place control in the hands of people instead of organizations." [Free Dictionary]
What is QR? QR represents "Quick Response." And QR Codes are data-embedded blocks or matrices in black-and-white (sometimes color)that when photographed with a mobile phone take you to a web page, coupon, online video, or other content. They are also known as "Mobile Codes." As compared to the typical barcode with which we are familiar that are positioned in a horizontal space, QR Codes occupy both horizontal and vertical space. Three corners (small squares) of the QR image are embedded such that regardless of the position or angle of the camera the image is self-righting provided that most of the image is captured or grabbed in the shot.
It is claimed that QR Codes are capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional barcode. These codes can be tracked and monitored, again raising questions of consumer privacy. To read the codes a person first downloads a QR code software reader. Some companies have proprietary codes and require that their software be used to read the codes. Most QR codes and QR code-generators and readers are generic. More can be learned about QR code software, readers and supported mobile phones at Mobile Barcodes.
What is an API? This acronym is not new, but I feel a need to differentiate it from the AMI acronym below. I nearly always have to refresh my memory about APIs. An API is, as described by Wikipedia, an application programming interface used by a software program that "enables it to interact with other software. It may include specifications for routines, data structures, object classes and protocols used to communicate between the consumer and the implementer of the API." Examples are Java, Carbon, Cocoa, and DirectX. They allow the combination of multiple services on a web page, often resulting in what is known as a "mash-up" or a blend of applications that allow a more interactive and participatory Web experience for users.
What is an AMI? AMI represents Ambient Intelligence. According to the Free Dictionary and Wikipedia, Ambient Intelligence refers to "electronic environments that are sensitive and responsive to the presence of people." Ambient Intelligence is customized, interactive, and possesses characteristics such as being
* embedded: many networked devices are integrated into the environment
* context aware: these devices can recognize you and your situational context
* personalized: they can be tailored to your needs
* adaptive: they can change in response to you
* anticipatory: they can anticipate your desires without conscious mediation.
Criticisms of AMI include concerns regarding loss of consumer privacy and loss of personal empowerment. "New thinking on Ambient Intelligence distances itself therefore from some of the original characteristics such as adaptive and anticipatory behaviour and emphasizes empowerment and participation to place control in the hands of people instead of organizations." [Free Dictionary]
What is QR? QR represents "Quick Response." And QR Codes are data-embedded blocks or matrices in black-and-white (sometimes color)that when photographed with a mobile phone take you to a web page, coupon, online video, or other content. They are also known as "Mobile Codes." As compared to the typical barcode with which we are familiar that are positioned in a horizontal space, QR Codes occupy both horizontal and vertical space. Three corners (small squares) of the QR image are embedded such that regardless of the position or angle of the camera the image is self-righting provided that most of the image is captured or grabbed in the shot.
It is claimed that QR Codes are capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional barcode. These codes can be tracked and monitored, again raising questions of consumer privacy. To read the codes a person first downloads a QR code software reader. Some companies have proprietary codes and require that their software be used to read the codes. Most QR codes and QR code-generators and readers are generic. More can be learned about QR code software, readers and supported mobile phones at Mobile Barcodes.
What is BitNami?
BitNami is, according to its website description, a collection of free, open source web applications "such as wikis or blogs, in order to make them more accessible."
"Regardless of whether you choose a Native Installer, Virtual Machine Image or Cloud Image, you will be able to have your BitNami-packaged application of choice up and running in just minutes, with no manual configuration required." [BitNami.org]
BitNami also offers cloud-hosting and studio packages for fee.
These types of packages along with virtual platforms and cloud computing resources are the new method of information systems management, lessening the amount or intensity of on-site technological supervision and maintenance required by an organization. Because of this it is of interest to librarians in search of economical and efficient ways to build and manage appealing online web services. BitNami is a website I discovered when reviewing Mary Ellen Bates' Internet Librarian 2010 "Super Searcher Tips Spectacular" presentation.
"Regardless of whether you choose a Native Installer, Virtual Machine Image or Cloud Image, you will be able to have your BitNami-packaged application of choice up and running in just minutes, with no manual configuration required." [BitNami.org]
BitNami also offers cloud-hosting and studio packages for fee.
These types of packages along with virtual platforms and cloud computing resources are the new method of information systems management, lessening the amount or intensity of on-site technological supervision and maintenance required by an organization. Because of this it is of interest to librarians in search of economical and efficient ways to build and manage appealing online web services. BitNami is a website I discovered when reviewing Mary Ellen Bates' Internet Librarian 2010 "Super Searcher Tips Spectacular" presentation.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Internet Librarian October 2010
I was able to attend two days of the Internet Librarian Conference, held again in Monterey this year. As usual I found that there were more sessions I wanted to attend than my schedule would permit. Many topics were presented in the same time slot and I had to make difficult choices.
Fortunately, one can visit Information Today's website (for a limited time) and review the presentations that have been generously uploaded by conference speakers.
The common terms bandied about this year included "RenGen" (Renaissance Generation), "QR Codes" (quick response codes) and "QR Code Generators," "cloud computing", "brand name building for libraries", "designing a mobile experience, "free stuff for broke libraries," "Vodcasts and Podcasts,", and "iTunes as a Library Platform." There were exhortations that to remain relevant as a profession librarians must focus on user experience rather than content delivery. In addition to the phrases above, the customer or patron-perspective and customer-interaction themes ran strong throughout this year's focus.
Reviewing some of the presentations I was unable to attend but located on the conference web page, I found Kimberly Silk and Jeffrey Veffer promoting "Design Thinking for Innovation." They ask "What problems can you identify that are preventing you from providing a great user experience?" They emphasize that one should resist the urge to rush toward solutions, and rather thoroughly get to know and understand problems; then solutions will reveal themselves. They focus on "Design Thinking," or "thinking like a designer" to provide a valuable and unforgettable user experience. That means putting oneself in the shoes of the user. Traits of design thinkers are: empathy, integrative thinking, optimism, experimentalism, and collaboration. These qualities are elaborated as follows:
Empathy – we have for those who need us
Integrative thinking – new ways to solve problems
Optimism – our desire for the collective “good”
Experimentalism – we learn by trial and error
Collaboration – we rarely work alone
The conference was alive and percolating with new ideas, techniques, and skills to improve information-gathering and service to patrons. It was a pleasure to attend and to hear professionals share experiences within their libraries and communities. It is always a joy to expand my view of the roles librarians fulfill in public, academic, and private institutions, and find the similarities in purpose and fulfillment in library careers. I am grateful that the library administration provided my conference registration this year. I attend every year that I am able, whether the registration is covered, or at my own expense. And it is worth it. I highly recommend that librarians take advantage of the tremendous benefits of attending Internet Librarian Conferences. And for those unable to attend, it is worthwhile to make time to view the temporary online postings of Speaker Presentation materials at Information Today Internet Librarian 2010.
Fortunately, one can visit Information Today's website (for a limited time) and review the presentations that have been generously uploaded by conference speakers.
The common terms bandied about this year included "RenGen" (Renaissance Generation), "QR Codes" (quick response codes) and "QR Code Generators," "cloud computing", "brand name building for libraries", "designing a mobile experience, "free stuff for broke libraries," "Vodcasts and Podcasts,", and "iTunes as a Library Platform." There were exhortations that to remain relevant as a profession librarians must focus on user experience rather than content delivery. In addition to the phrases above, the customer or patron-perspective and customer-interaction themes ran strong throughout this year's focus.
Reviewing some of the presentations I was unable to attend but located on the conference web page, I found Kimberly Silk and Jeffrey Veffer promoting "Design Thinking for Innovation." They ask "What problems can you identify that are preventing you from providing a great user experience?" They emphasize that one should resist the urge to rush toward solutions, and rather thoroughly get to know and understand problems; then solutions will reveal themselves. They focus on "Design Thinking," or "thinking like a designer" to provide a valuable and unforgettable user experience. That means putting oneself in the shoes of the user. Traits of design thinkers are: empathy, integrative thinking, optimism, experimentalism, and collaboration. These qualities are elaborated as follows:
Empathy – we have for those who need us
Integrative thinking – new ways to solve problems
Optimism – our desire for the collective “good”
Experimentalism – we learn by trial and error
Collaboration – we rarely work alone
The conference was alive and percolating with new ideas, techniques, and skills to improve information-gathering and service to patrons. It was a pleasure to attend and to hear professionals share experiences within their libraries and communities. It is always a joy to expand my view of the roles librarians fulfill in public, academic, and private institutions, and find the similarities in purpose and fulfillment in library careers. I am grateful that the library administration provided my conference registration this year. I attend every year that I am able, whether the registration is covered, or at my own expense. And it is worth it. I highly recommend that librarians take advantage of the tremendous benefits of attending Internet Librarian Conferences. And for those unable to attend, it is worthwhile to make time to view the temporary online postings of Speaker Presentation materials at Information Today Internet Librarian 2010.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Polaris Library Systems
Our library circulation and online catalog have been converted to Polaris Library Systems for about two years. We have found it user-friendly. It also provides a range of icons to quickly identify books, DVDs, audiobooks, compact discs, and large print. The annotations and reviews attached to each record help patrons who want to know a little more about the items; and bibliographic records are also viewable from the online catalog module. Search limits for item type, location, and collection are also easy to use. Holds are easy to place. This system has been about the seventh or eighth automation system I have experienced in my library career; and I find it works well.
Several of our branches have converted to self-check; this one service improvement has brought a tremendous benefit to both the public and the staff who are freer to assist patrons with specific personal needs, and less burdened with long lines and mixing tasks such as new card registrations, fee collections, check-outs, and holds at one station. Patrons who want to check out their items and get on their way are very happy not to wait in long lines while those other tasks are provided. Self-check makes for smooth traffic flow!
Several of our branches have converted to self-check; this one service improvement has brought a tremendous benefit to both the public and the staff who are freer to assist patrons with specific personal needs, and less burdened with long lines and mixing tasks such as new card registrations, fee collections, check-outs, and holds at one station. Patrons who want to check out their items and get on their way are very happy not to wait in long lines while those other tasks are provided. Self-check makes for smooth traffic flow!
Blog Housekeeping
I have re-read these posts removing staff names, as our larger consortium blogging guidelines has recommended not to use individual names unless specific permission has been granted. I have however retained professional librarian names where associated with their online activities.
Our library system has lost a few staff members to attrition as budget cuts have required; but overall we have maintained services at all our branches. Our system has had a strong volunteer network since I've begun working for our library system over 11 years ago. Recruitment of volunteers has continued to keep our community involvement high. We are fortunate to have a number of retired professional librarians among our volunteers.
Our library system has lost a few staff members to attrition as budget cuts have required; but overall we have maintained services at all our branches. Our system has had a strong volunteer network since I've begun working for our library system over 11 years ago. Recruitment of volunteers has continued to keep our community involvement high. We are fortunate to have a number of retired professional librarians among our volunteers.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
e-books Come to Our Library
We now have downloadable e-books (digital text books) as well as audiobooks for our patrons! In light of my struggle loading the software on my Mac and iPhone this morning (left incomplete as it was time to open to the public) it is clear I must master the process before I can efficiently help our patrons.
As libraries continue to surf the changing wave of change, these articles from the Library Journal Book Summit Preview (August 16, 2010 can provide some insight into our future:
Libraries, Ebooks, and Competition, by Eric Hellman
Ebooks and the Retailization of Research, by Barbara Fister
Ebook Sanity, by Jason Griffey
E-Texts for All (Even Lucy), by Char Booth
As libraries continue to surf the changing wave of change, these articles from the Library Journal Book Summit Preview (August 16, 2010 can provide some insight into our future:
Libraries, Ebooks, and Competition, by Eric Hellman
Ebooks and the Retailization of Research, by Barbara Fister
Ebook Sanity, by Jason Griffey
E-Texts for All (Even Lucy), by Char Booth
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Library Blogs
Today I re-visited my post of July 12, 2005 to edit the library blog list I posted; I indicated those that have become defunct or list a new address. Since those early days of the birth of the web log or blog, these have become some of the more popular ones in the library profession:
Library Stuff by Steven M. Cohen, a New York Librarian with lots of good research & customer service tips, and a great conference presenter. Catch him if you can.
Tame the Web by Michael Stephens, another popular conference presenter.
Librarian in Black by Sarah Houghton is fun and informative.
Librarian Net by Jessamyn West.
Go to Unshelved for comic relief.
Tech Soup offers news, updates on tecnology, learning, and resources for libraries.
Blog Junction's claim to fame is " an online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses - and have fun. Register now (it's free) and join us." This is directly from their "ABOUT" statement on the web page.
Library Stuff by Steven M. Cohen, a New York Librarian with lots of good research & customer service tips, and a great conference presenter. Catch him if you can.
Tame the Web by Michael Stephens, another popular conference presenter.
Librarian in Black by Sarah Houghton is fun and informative.
Librarian Net by Jessamyn West.
Go to Unshelved for comic relief.
Tech Soup offers news, updates on tecnology, learning, and resources for libraries.
Blog Junction's claim to fame is " an online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses - and have fun. Register now (it's free) and join us." This is directly from their "ABOUT" statement on the web page.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Servant Leadership
Recently I came across a terrific book on CD about leadership entitled The Servant Leadership Training Course, by James C. Hunter. I was so impressed with the information I did an Internet search for "servant leadership in libraries" and found this article about it. The author was writing specifically for law librarians; however the servant-leadership model, in my view, works for everyone in leadership positions, from companies, to schools, libraries, and other organizations; it provides a model of leadership for individuals committed to community work, and for family members. In my opinion, this management model would make a good addition to professional librarian curriculum.
Twitter is A.O.K.
It was back in August of 2007 that I explored Twitter and was a bit puzzled about its use. Since then I have had many opportunities to turn to Twitter for news flashes on current events; and I now admit that Twitter really does serve a purpose. For example, last year I followed the protests in Iran via Twitter, and found links to related videos.
Companies make Twitter announcements. Libraries post upcoming programs and library events on Twitter. Politicians Twitter. A lot of people love to Tweet ("a post or status update on Twitter" according to About.Com in WebTrends.) Some say that they don't Tweet as much as they once did; but it is worth remembering that it is an effective social media tool to make public announcements. If you are looking for an easy avenue to promote your business, event, or cause consider using Twitter as PR tool. It serves as an instant "For Public Release" announcement.
Companies make Twitter announcements. Libraries post upcoming programs and library events on Twitter. Politicians Twitter. A lot of people love to Tweet ("a post or status update on Twitter" according to About.Com in WebTrends.) Some say that they don't Tweet as much as they once did; but it is worth remembering that it is an effective social media tool to make public announcements. If you are looking for an easy avenue to promote your business, event, or cause consider using Twitter as PR tool. It serves as an instant "For Public Release" announcement.
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