Experience to Share

The Power of Habits

Starting on a journey (like a new job or career path) often centers on forming and sticking to habits. Habits are ingrained routines of behavior. They have a profound impact on our daily lives. They influence everything from our productivity to our physical and overall mental well-being. Understanding the science behind habits and implementing effective strategies can be the key to transforming harmful patterns into positive behaviors and success.

The Science Behind Habits

Habits are deeply rooted in neurological patterns. As we repeat a behavior, our brain forms neural pathways that make the action more automatic over time. This inherent ability of our brains to create habits can be harnessed for positive change. Rather than viewing habits as obstacles, we can leverage the brain’s ability to establish routines that align with our goals.

Identify the Trigger

To change a bad habit, start by identifying the trigger that begins the behavior. Whether it’s stress, boredom, or a specific environment, recognizing the cue that prompts the habit is crucial. Understanding the trigger allows you to implement strategies to interrupt the automatic response and replace it with a positive alternative.

Set Clear and Achievable Goals

Define clear and achievable goals that align with the positive change you want to make. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes the process less overwhelming but also provides a sense of accomplishment with each milestone. You are reinforcing the formation of a new, positive habit!

Replace with a Positive Behavior

Rather than focusing solely on eliminating a bad habit, redirect your energy toward replacing it with a positive behavior. If your goal is to reduce screen time, replace the habit of scrolling through your phone with a positive behavior. Activities like reading a book or practicing relaxation techniques fit the bill better just before bedtime. The key is to substitute the undesirable action with a healthier alternative.

Utilize the Power of Consistency

Consistency is the bedrock of habit formation. Repetition is what reinforces neural pathways, making a behavior more automatic. Commit to practicing the positive behavior consistently, even when faced with setbacks. Over time, this repetition strengthens the new habit, making it a natural part of your routine.

Accountability and Support

Share your goals with a friend, family member, or a mentor who can provide encouragement and hold you accountable. Having a support system enhances motivation and increases the likelihood of successfully transforming a bad habit. Celebrate achievements together and learn from challenges as a team.

The power of habits lies in their ability to shape our lives. By understanding the science behind habits and implementing strategic approaches, you can change harmful behaviors into positive, life-affirming habits.

Identify triggers, set achievable goals, replace negative behaviors with positive ones, embrace consistency, and seek support. Through this approach, you will create lasting, positive changes that contribute to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Finding Happiness at Work

I just finished a book by Harvard professor Arthur Brooks with insights by Oprah Winfrey. Here are useful nuggets you can use to create a happier life especially at work.  See if any of them surprises you.

3 Basic Pillars

The three basic pillars of happiness are enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. According to Brooks these “macronutrients” of happiness are scientifically proven by studies and our own life experiences.  Case studies and Brooks’ own family are examples of this principle. Some perceptions from Oprah’s own life also illustrate the importance of each one. The book reveals types of career paths you might have chosen due to one of these areas being out of balance. Whether it’s a job or relationship, you need these three “macronutrients” to feel complete joy.

Your Outlook

Another aspect to being happier, (or less unhappy) is having hope. We all have bad things happen in our lives, even tragic. Your reaction and how you deal with those experiences also play into your happiness.

Brooks explains it like this. “There’s a word for believing you can make things better without distorting reality; not optimism, but hope.” Again, illustrated with life and death examples of crisis and how individuals respond to those events determines levels of happiness. Brooks himself explains, he was not a happy person when starting out in his initial career. I won’t spoil anything for you, but his journey is inspiring.

Simple Connecting

Call it what you will, but believing in a higher power other than focusing on yourself makes a huge difference. Explained as “meditation” or simple connecting on a transcendental level for peace, this is the third area to explore. Within you lies the power to create happiness and a happier life, but you must live in love and service. Several other spiritual writings assert what Brooks and Winfrey explain, ways they’ve been able to reach this level of contentment.

Living in love is the key along with these main factors. Healthy and happy relationships with the people we are close too, help us understand the feeling of joy and contentment. Living in gratitude, makes us appreciate the good and bad times in our lives.  So, remember, simple joyful experiences are the best kind and keeps us mindful of the love and happiness in our lives.

Think about the last time you were truly happy and joyful. What were you doing? 

Storytelling is the Key to Work Success

Every wonder why you remember a story with details and names more than a simple phone number? Telling a story is important at home and especially at work. Here are 3 simple ways to improve your storytelling skills and communication.

Connecting on a Human Level

As humans we are wired to connect with mutual experiences and stories! This is how we relate to people, understand concepts, and meet on common ground when challenged, with stories. So, if it’s in our DNA, why do we remember a story our best friend tells us, but we can’t remember a simple 7-digit phone number or even a birthday?

Our brain, research has shown, mimics the storyteller and actually “relives” the story in our mind. We remember details due to the engagement with the storyteller and our visualization of the words spoken. The more vivid the details, the more our mind is thinking and reliving that story for us.

Three Story Types

There are three types of stories we easily connect with using our own human experiences:

1.     Continuity stories are where things don’t change, such as our values and other humanistic traits we all share.

2.     Novelty stories are looking at the uniqueness of a “future world” or something that is just outside of the realm of possibility.

3.     Transition stories are journeys of learning and how people or topics have changed or overcome obstacles.

Remembering these types of stories will help you improve your skills and more easily relate an event using your storytelling abilities.

Storytelling with Improv Mindset

So, if storytelling is the way to go, how can I improve my skills?  Practice it! Practice the skills of improv to hone your ability to relate an interesting topic, to engage your audience, and be remembered as a great storyteller. People love to listen to stories so be that person colleagues turn to at work.

The term is referred to as “Improv Mindset,” which was actually tested during the pandemic. Globally, we all had a great deal of change very quickly and pivoted to solutions for greater success in the aftermath. The same is true for an improv mindset. Developing traits where you take risks, tell stories, and gain feedback to make those stories meaningful for your own growth. Start practicing now in the new year to hone those skills.

Finally, you need to be actively listening to be able to tell your story effectively. Taking in ques from your audience to improve every chance available, will enable you to easily build upon your skills.

By practicing your storytelling abilities and using an improv mindset you will improve your communication. You will more easily connect with people at work and in life for a happy 2024!

Social Media is Important for Public Libraries   December 2023

Marketing with social media has become a crucial tool for public libraries. Libraries need to connect with their communities and promote their services. However, managing a social media presence for a public library can be challenging. It’s important to follow best practices to ensure that your efforts are effective for your customers. Below are three best practices to get you started with social media at your public library.

Develop A Marketing Strategy

The first step in creating a successful social media presence for a library is to develop a marketing strategy. Identifying your target audience, determining the types of content that will be most relevant, and creating a posting schedule. Consider the type of information and services your library offers. Highlight your best programs and services on as many platforms you have accessible. 

What events do you host currently, and what does the community you serve want when creating engaging content? Milwaukee Public Library does an impressive job with their social media presence, capturing audiences of all ages.

Engage With Your Audience

Social media is not a one-way street, it’s important to engage with your audience. Respond to comments and messages daily. You also need to actively seek out opportunities to connect with your community and add new followers. Think about seasonal content at your library, and what readers would want to know in the summer or during back to school. Encourage your followers to share their thoughts, ask for feedback and listen to what they have to say.

Be Consistent and Authentic

Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Make sure to post regularly and maintain a consistent tone across all platforms. Additionally, be authentic and transparent when communicating with your audience. Share the library’s mission and values, and let them know what makes your library unique. Be aware of trolls and make sure to have a “social media policy” in place to deal with misinformation.

In addition to these best practices, it’s also important to ensure that your library’s social media accounts are properly set up and managed. This means keeping your library’s contact information up to date, monitoring your accounts for inappropriate content, and ensuring account security.

Also, take the time to review your analytics and measure the performance of your social media posts. This will help you understand what works and what doesn’t and adjust your strategy accordingly. Social media coordinator is an important role for professional development in public libraries and for your staff’s growth.

Social media is an effective tool for public libraries to connect with their communities and promote services. By developing a marketing strategy, being consistent and engaging with posts, you can create an online presence for your library. Remember, social media is an ongoing effort, so be ready to adapt and evolve as the platforms and audiences change….and change they do!

3 Key Traits for Successful New Managers   November 2023

As librarians transition into managerial roles, the dynamics of their responsibilities change, a lot. Effective leadership is not merely about overseeing tasks but fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and achievement. Here are three essential traits for new managers or leader in libraries and other fields.

Communication is Key

At the heart of effective leadership lies the ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and purpose. New managers must be adept at conveying their ideas, expectations, and feedback in a manner that resonates with diverse team members. Clear communication sets the foundation for a harmonious work environment, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a culture of transparency.

Moreover, an essential aspect of communication is active listening. New leaders should not only express their thoughts but also be attuned to the concerns and perspectives of their team. This two-way communication builds trust and establishes a sense of inclusivity within the team.

In practical terms, this trait involves mastering various communication channels, adapting the message to different audiences, and being open to feedback. By prioritizing effective communication, new managers create a work culture for collaboration, innovation, and psychological safety.

Emotional Intelligence

As leaders navigate the complexities of managing a team, emotional intelligence emerges as a pivotal trait. The ability to understand and manage your emotions while empathizing with others is a hallmark of successful leadership. New managers who possess emotional intelligence can navigate interpersonal relationships, inspiring their teams to perform at their best.

Emotionally intelligent leaders are not only aware of their own feelings but can also read the emotions of their team members. This awareness enables them to tailor their leadership approach, providing support where needed and celebrating successes together. By fostering a positive emotional climate, new managers can enhance team morale and resilience, key factors in achieving long-term success.

Adaptability

In today's fast-paced work environment, adaptability is a non-negotiable trait for new managers. To navigate change and make informed decisions in uncertain situations, positions a leader as a dynamic force within their organization.

Adaptable leaders instill confidence in their teams by demonstrating a willingness to evolve strategies based on emerging challenges and opportunities. This trait involves a continuous commitment to learning, staying updated on industry trends, and encouraging a culture of agility.

In essence, adaptability enables new managers to steer their teams through uncharted territories, transforming obstacles into stepping stones for growth. By embodying this trait, leaders inspire resilience and creativity, fostering a culture where challenges are viewed as opportunities for improvement.

Finally, effective leadership goes beyond merely overseeing tasks; it involves cultivating an environment where individuals thrive. By prioritizing communication skills, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, new managers can set the stage for both personal and team success.

Global Libraries to Visit    October  2023

If you’re reading this, you’re almost certainly a literary addict. If you are, you’ll want to treat yourself to these global libraries to visit across the world.

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

This New York Public Library branch is located on Fifth Avenue and is one of the most elegant libraries in the United States with its marble façade and famed lion statues at the entrance. It is home to more than 2.5 million volumes and is a major part of New York’s literary scene.

Central Library of Vancouver

Designed to mimic the Roman Coliseum, this nine-story library is home to 9.5 million books, e-books, newspapers, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and more. You’ll also find a huge array of cafés, shops, and a rooftop garden that makes for a glorious outdoor reading space.

Bodleian Library

One of the most famous libraries in the world. Oxford University’s library has centuries’ worth of antique charm to its credit, having been in use since the 1300s. The site is home to 12 million different volumes and contains such literary rarities as a First Folio of Shakespeare, a Gutenberg Bible, and an original edition of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.

Bibliotheque Interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne

One of the most famous universities in the world, the Sorbonne, is now part of the University of Paris. This library originally dates to the 13th century. Home to three million volumes, it is one of the best resources in the world on French literature and is a bastion of geographic, historic, and philosophic resources. Of note is the Saint-Jacques Reading Room, which features deep rich wooden walls paired with minty green and an elegant cream-colored ceiling.

Trinity College Old Library

Dublin is one of the great literary cities in the world, with its streets suffused with reminders of its roster of incredible Irish authors wherever you turn. Construction on the library first began in 1712, though Trinity College itself dates to 1311. It has seen the likes of Jonathan Swift, Oliver Goldsmith, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett pass through its doors. The Old Library at Trinity College has a lovely dark wooden aesthetic and more than seven million volumes available. This includes ancient texts such as the Book of Kells, Book of Howth, and Book of Durrow.

Library of El Escorial

Located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Spain, this library has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most essential sites for studies of the Spanish Renaissance is home to a litany of literary volumes and beautiful frescoes dating back to its time as a monastery.

Rampur Raza Library

This library in Rampur, India, is one of the newer ones on our list, having originally been built as a mansion in 1904 before being converted into a library in the 1950s. However, it is also home to some of the oldest texts on this list, especially when it comes to its incredible Indian and Asian collections, which include Islamic calligraphy and an original manuscript for a first translation of the Koran.

Making Connections While Working Remotely  September 2023

In an era of digital connectivity and flexible work arrangements, the concept of "going to the office" has changed. Many professionals now find themselves working remotely, a trend accelerated by recent global events. While remote work offers numerous advantages, it can sometimes create a sense of isolation. It can leave individuals wondering how to make friends when their workplace is no longer a physical space. Fortunately, there are several strategies to create meaningful connections while working remotely.

Water Cooler

First and foremost, embrace the virtual water cooler. Just as office conversations often occur around the water cooler, remote workers can participate in digital equivalents. Engage in team chat platforms, join virtual meetings a few minutes early, and contribute to discussions. This provides an opportunity for casual conversations and shared experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Work Communities

Seek out remote work communities. Online forums, social media groups, and professional networking platforms are treasure troves of like-minded individuals who understand remote working. Join discussions, share your experiences, and engage in conversations that go beyond work-related topics. These communities offer a supportive environment to build connections based on shared interests and challenges.

Virtual Events

Participate in virtual events and workshops. Many organizations and platforms host webinars, workshops, and conferences that cater to remote professionals. Attending these events not only expands your knowledge but also exposes you to a diverse range of individuals. Take advantage of breakout sessions, networking events, and Q&A sessions to connect with attendees who understand your goals.

One-on-One

Initiate one-on-one interactions. While group interactions are valuable, establishing individual connections is equally important. Reach out to colleagues for virtual coffee chats or brainstorming sessions. These one-on-one conversations allow for deeper connections and the opportunity to learn about each other's backgrounds, interests, and experiences.

Co-Working Spaces

Consider remote co-working spaces. These virtual spaces are designed to mimic the camaraderie of a physical office, providing a sense of community for remote workers. Many platforms offer chat rooms, virtual events, and collaborative projects, fostering connections in a structured online environment. You can also host your video calls in these spaces to increase your network.

Be You!

Be open and approachable. Displaying authenticity and a willingness to connect can attract others seeking friendship in the remote work landscape. Share personal anecdotes, interests, and even challenges. Vulnerability can create a sense of relatability that encourages others to open up as well. Remember, you have to be a friend to have a friend!

While working remotely might physically separate us, it need not isolate us from building meaningful connections. By leveraging virtual platforms, engaging in online communities, and embracing one-on-one interactions, remote workers can make friends beyond physical boundaries. In this digital age, the tools to make friends are at our fingertips; all it takes is a proactive approach and a genuine desire to connect. 

Feedback for Work   August 2023

Providing feedback to employees is an important aspect of a manager's role. In order to achieve successful outcomes, managers should be mindful of the following when providing feedback.

Be Timely

Feedback should be given in a timely manner, whether it's positive or negative. It's important to address issues or concerns as soon as they arise. Don’t’ wait until a formal evaluation or not at all, always address the issue. This will allow the employee to tackle and improve the issue in a timely manner.  This also helps morale for the other team members.

Be specific

Feedback should be specific and focus on the employee's actions or behavior, rather than their personality or character. It should be based on observable facts and should provide clear examples of what the employee did well or what needs improvement. Factual information is so important to keep an objective tone and help improve the employee’s behaviors or skills.

Be balanced

Feedback should be balanced and provide a mix of positive and negative feedback. Positive feedback helps to build morale and motivation, while negative feedback helps to address areas for improvement. Have current examples on hand to illustrate the points of your feedback. Provide a timeline to help them understand what could have gone better and why.

Be constructive

Feedback should be given in a constructive manner and focus on providing solutions rather than criticism. Avoid using judgmental or negative language and instead, provide specific suggestions for improvement.

Communicate face-to-face

Feedback should be given in person, rather than via email or other forms of digital communication. This allows for a more open and direct conversation. It's easier to pick up on nonverbal cues that can help to understand the employee's perspective. Sometimes you will learn a great deal from eye contact and willingness to accept the feedback from your employee. 

Follow-up

Feedback should be followed up with a clear plan of action. The manager should discuss with the employee what steps they will take to improve and what support the manager will provide. Follow-up conversations should be scheduled to assess the progress made and make any necessary adjustments. The employee needs to seriously address the plan for improvement as well, being open to change and suggestions.

Providing feedback to employees is an important aspect of a manager's role, it's a way to help them improve and grow in their jobs.  It's a way to ensure that the company is running smoothly and efficiently. By providing feedback in a timely manner with an action plan, managers can ensure that their feedback leads to successful outcomes.  Positive outcomes for both the employee and the company’s growth. This also helps to provide a healthy work culture and high morale for your teams across work groups.  

Managing Former Coworkers  July 2023

As a new supervisor, managing former coworkers can be challenging. It can be difficult to balance the shift in power dynamics while maintaining positive working relationships. In this article you will learn some best practices for managing former colleagues and creating a successful transition.

Establish Clear Communication

Open communication is essential when managing former colleagues. It is important to establish clear expectations from the beginning and to keep everyone informed throughout the transition process. This can include outlining new responsibilities, changes in reporting structure, and any other relevant details. Clear communication can help to reduce confusion and uncertainty, and create a more positive work environment.

Maintain Professionalism

As a new supervisor, it is important to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with former colleagues. This can include avoiding favoritism, setting clear boundaries, and addressing any conflicts in a timely and respectful manner. It is also important to lead by example and to hold yourself to the same standards as your team.

Build Trust

Building trust is essential in any leadership role, and it is especially important when managing former coworkers. Take the time to get to know your team members on a personal level, and show them you value their contributions. Building trust can help to create a more positive work environment, and help to reduce tension or resistance to change.

Encourage Feedback

Encouraging feedback from your team can help to create a more collaborative work environment. As a new manager, you can help address any concerns or challenges that may arise or have come up in the past. This includes setting up regular check-ins, soliciting feedback on new initiatives, and actively listening to your team's ideas and suggestions. Encouraging feedback can also help to create a culture of continuous improvement, and lead to better performance for the team.

Provide Support

As a new supervisor, it is important to provide support to your team during the transition process. This can include providing training, resources, and other HR support as needed. It is also important to be available and accessible to your team, and to provide regular feedback and recognition. A favorite way to recognize your team is learn about them individually.  Thank them with a personal note, small gift, or publicly so they know you value them. One year, I gave my team Life is Good t-shirts depending upon their hobbies, and they loved them!

Finally, managing former colleagues can be a challenging experience. It is also a chance to grow and learn as a leader. By beginning with clear communication, you build trust, encourage feedback, and provide support for your team.  You can create a successful transition and build a strong team with former coworkers or as new leader. Remember to lead by example, stay open to feedback, and be willing to adapt as needed. With the right mindset and approach, managing former coworkers or anyone can be fulfilling and fun!

For more career tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

Advantages of Successful Mentoring    June 2023

Mentoring at work is a valuable tool for personal and professional development. It is a relationship between an experienced worker (the mentor) and a “rookie” or newer employee.  The mentor provides guidance, advice, and support to the mentee (or new worker) for future job success.  Mentoring at work can have many benefits for both the mentor and mentee, as well as the organization or business.

New Skills

One of the biggest benefits of mentoring at work is that it helps to develop the skills and knowledge of the mentee. The mentor can share their experience and expertise, and provide guidance on how to navigate the organization and its culture. This can help the mentee develop new skills, knowledge, and to become more effective in their role.

Builds Trust

Mentoring at work also helps to build relationships and networks within the organization. The mentor and mentee can build a strong working relationship, which can lead to increased trust, understanding, and collaboration. This can help to create a more positive and productive working environment and help sustain your organization.

Decreases Turnover

A mentoring program in the company can also help to improve the retention of employees. When employees feel truly valued and supported, they are more likely to be satisfied with their job. Turnover within the organization decreases overall with a trusted mentor to support the employee. A good mentoring program can help to create a sense of belonging among employees, which leads to higher retention.

Promotes Diversity and Inclusion

Another benefit of mentoring is it helps to promote diversity and inclusion. When mentoring relationships are formed between people from different backgrounds, it can help to break down stereotypes and biases. This can lead to a more inclusive and equitable workplace, where everyone feels valued and respected.

In addition, mentoring programs can be beneficial for the mentor as well. It can provide them with an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience.  The mentor gives back to the organization and gains personal confidence in their abilities in their role. It can also help them to develop leadership skills and to take on new responsibilities.

Overall, mentoring at work is an important tool for personal and professional development, and for the organization as a whole. It can help to develop the skills of new employees, build relationships, and promote diversity and inclusion. Therefore, companies should consider starting a mentoring program to support the career development of their employees and improve overall work performance and engagement.

Be Prepared for Work Evaluations  May 2023

Your first work evaluation at a new job can be a scary experience. But it's your opportunity to show your supervisor your strengths and work habits. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your first work evaluation.

Review Your Job Duties

Before your evaluation, review your job responsibilities and the goals set by your manager. Preparing ahead will give you a better understanding of what you should be focusing on and what your supervisor is looking for. Make sure you understand the company's mission and goals and how your role directly contributes to the results.

Reflect on Improvements

You need to take some time to reflect on your accomplishments since starting your new job. Think about the projects you've worked on, the skills you've developed, and the contributions you've made to the organization. Also, consider areas where you could improve or where you have struggled. Being aware of needed improvements will help you have a productive conversation with your boss.

Prepare Examples

In order to communicate your accomplishments and areas for improvement, it's important to have examples to back up your claims. Document examples of specific projects or tasks you've worked on that demonstrate your skills and contributions to the company. Also, have data or metrics to show your progress and performance for your team. You need to be prepared to answer the hard questions as well as have solutions for improvement.

Come Prepared with Questions

Your work evaluation is also an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from your employer. Prepare a list of questions you have about your work responsibilities, the company's goals or any other feedback. I keep a running list of questions and answers throughout the year. This way, I’m not surprised by my manager’s questions of me during the evaluation process.

Be honest

During your work evaluation, it's important to be honest and open-minded about your performance and areas for improvement. You need to accept honest, constructive criticism and take the feedback given to you into consideration for future development. Every boss is different, and most lead from areas of their strengths, so listen with an open heart and mind.

By reviewing your job, reflecting on your goals and areas for improvement, you will be ready for your evaluations. Be sure to prepare examples and evidence of your year’s work and come prepared with questions.  If you are open and honest, you can make the most of your first work evaluation and impress your boss. You'll be able to demonstrate your value to the organization and develop a plan for growth and success in your role for the future. Wishing you the very best in your long career!

Public Library Trends   April 2023

Public libraries have been a vital resource for communities for centuries. Today, the role of public libraries continues to evolve in response to changing technology and societal needs. Here are three of the most current trends in public libraries in the United States and around the globe.

Digital Literacy

With the increasing importance of technology in our daily lives, public libraries are placing a greater emphasis on digital literacy. This includes providing patrons with access to technology and training. Libraries also teach basic computer basics as well as offering classes on coding, web design, and other in-demand skills.

Libraries are expanding their digital collections, with eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming movies available online. Even providing early literacy resources and parenting help for patrons, to assist the next generation of library users.

Community Engagement

Public libraries are also shifting their focus to become more community centered. Libraries are hosting events and programs that bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives to build a sense of community. They are also partnering with local organizations to provide services that address the specific needs of their communities. Library programs to help the homeless and literacy classes for non-native speakers. Some libraries even provide high school classes online to earn your diploma, all for FREE!

Maker Spaces / Learning Labs

Maker spaces are a popular trend in public libraries. These specialized spaces provide patrons with access to tools, technology, and resources to create, invent, and learn! These spaces often include equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics labs. They also provide patrons with access to trained professionals who can teach them how to use the equipment and provide guidance on their projects. Only in a public library and all free to use.

Other special library areas include learning labs or workforce centers. Depending upon the community’s resources, a designated librarian will help you with your job search. Career basics, like resume writing, online applications, and interview practice is essential in many cities as the job market tightens.

These trends are not specific to the United States, libraries around the globe are experiencing similar needs. They are adapting to the new normal and the changes in technology and specific needs of the community they serve. Librarians are being innovative and finding new ways to offer services and resources that are relevant to their community. They are becoming more than just a place to check out books. Libraries are becoming a hub for community engagement and lifelong learning to improve economic development and sustainability.

All said, public libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities. They are placing a greater emphasis on digital literacy, focusing on community engagement, and developing learning spaces. These trends are helping libraries to remain relevant and essential resources for their communities in the digital age.

Public libraries are more than just a physical space, they are an integral part of a thriving community. I am so proud to a librarian!

Best Habits for Success in a New Job  March 2023

Starting a new job can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. To ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for success, it's important to develop the best habits early on. Here are the best habits to focus on when you start your new job.

Be On Time or Early Every Day

One of the most important habits to have when starting a new job is to be punctual. This means being on time for meetings, arriving to work on time, and meeting deadlines. Even if you’re working remotely, be early to sign onto your computer every day. Being punctual shows that you are reliable, responsible, and respectful of

your colleagues' and manager’s time.

Clear Communication

Communication is key to success in any job. When starting a new job, it's important to take the time to understand the communication style of your colleagues and supervisor. Be sure to ask questions when you're unsure of something and actively listen to others when they are speaking. Communicating effectively will help you build relationships and get things done more efficiently. This is the foundation a solid and trusting work relationship.

Take Initiative

Another important habit to have when starting a new job is to take initiative. Don't be afraid to speak up and share your ideas or offer to take on new projects. This shows that you are proactive and willing to take on extra responsibilities. It will also help you learn and grow in your new role. You might make mistakes, but showing you are willing and able to do the job (and then some) is priceless.

Growth Mindset

In addition to these habits, it's also important to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. Your new job will come with its own set of challenges and being adaptable will help you navigate them. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance when you need it. Building a strong relationship with your colleagues and managers will make the transition to your new job much smoother.

Starting a new job can be daunting, but by focusing on these four habits, you can set yourself up for success. By being punctual, communicating effectively, and taking initiative with a grow mindset, you'll be able to make a great impression. Building relationships and excelling in your new role will be second nature. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. And finally, just be kind and open to learning and you'll be great! Best of Luck!

Selling Skills at Work and Home  February 2023

Let’s face it, we don’t like being sold anything, ever.  But we all sell something, every day whether we realize it or not.  Do you know how those selling skills will help you in everyday life? Here are ways to influence to create solutions and harmony in your life.

Family

Even if you are not a parent, you have parents, siblings, or family. In life we enjoy getting our way. Whether it’s family gatherings, vacations, or just getting the kids up in the morning. The key to selling your “idea” is to understand, that people “buy” or listen to likable people.

That’s why the old saying, “you get more with honey than vinegar” applies here. Build your case in a positive manner. Remember, the mantra, “What’s in it for me…” You need to “sell” your idea as a benefit to the other person. The kids will get pancakes if they get up right now for school. The vacation to Hawaii, rather than Colorado, will enable you a warm, sunny getaway during the winter. Remember “WIIFM,” and think what the other person really wants or how they benefit.

Buyers and Their Emotions

As a buyer, or the receiving end of a transactions, did you know you “buy” based on your emotions? We all buy based on feelings and justify the transaction based on logical information afterwards. Here me out and think about your last purchase. Did you really “need” that new outfit? Does your kid “need” or “want” those new shoes, and why? The type of clothing and shoes purchased will be based on trends or what all the other kids are wearing.

Understanding your emotions before you buy something is important, because the salesperson will want to know your feelings. Asking questions to understand what you are looking for or why you need something is Selling 101. Sharing stories to gather information will also help understand your motivation as a buyer. Think about how many times you’ve said, “I’m just looking.” I say it all the time. But when I’m ready to decide, I need that person’s expertise and knowledge to make my purchase.

Trust is Crucial

Finally, having the support after the sale is just as important as the transaction itself. Going back to the kids in the morning and pancakes for breakfast. If the kids get up when you ask them, brush their teeth, then you’d better follow through with pancakes! Trust is the number one reason someone will “buy.”

This trust factor transcends not only accountability but doing what you say you’ll do. But trusting in the follow up conversation if you really have something that solves a problem. Trust and a solid relationship with family, products, or companies all comes from the outcomes and support after the transaction. The ultimate goal is for you to be happy and satisfied with what transpired.

Selling happens every day in our lives and being aware how we “buy” is helpful in everyday life.

Active Listening is Important For Your Career   January 2023

Listening skills are probably the most important skill behind reading. Learning to listen, and actively hear what is said is also essential. Below are steps to take if you need help listening to what people REALLY say to you.

Active Listening

Active listening is hearing the other person for understanding. However, most of us listen to be able to react or frame a response quickly. Don’t do that!  Don’t listen for yourself to answer, listen to understand. You will gain far more insight into your speaker, by letting them talk. Hear what words they choose and how they say those words. Active listening takes effort, but you learn far more about what’s said when you are engaged and hearing the other person.

Body language

So, you’re probably thinking, but I’m on the phone, and can’t “see” my speaker. But you can! Listen for inflection, tone, and the speed of the speaker’s speech. Usually, someone upset or in “fight mode” will speak quickly and emotionally. Someone calm and measured in their speech is under control of their emotions. When you are at work, even remotely, you can listen and pick up ques in the person’s speech.

A rational speaker is usually easier to understand motive, even over a phone call. Body language goes beyond “seeing” the speaker but again actively listening to “how” the speaker is engaging with you.

Responding After Listening

You are now asking, so when DO I need to respond? If you have an upset friend and listening to them about a bad experience, sometimes never. No response is a response in this type of situation. As humans, we want to solve problems, but sometimes it’s best to just listen. Listening with an open mind and heart to fully understand the other person takes a lot of effort.

And sometimes you might never understand the person’s motives or true feelings, but you were there for them. Sometimes just being a friend and confidante is all that is needed in the moment, and active listening is key.

Practice makes permanent, so try just listening for a change. Don’t interrupt and truly listen to the other person on the phone, on Zoom, or sitting with you. The more you practice actively listening, reading body language, and understanding your listener the better you become.

For more living well tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

Resumes That Win the Interview  December 2022

The first step in any new job hunt or career change is to freshen up or create a new resume. Here are proven tips from Jenny Foss to make your resume stand out for that next interview.

Skills and Value

Highlighting your unique skills and the value you bring the company is the first step in creating a resume. Use a resume template that is easy to read and uses all the real estate on the page. That said, make sure your resume is no more than two pages in length. Be sure to sue an 11 or 12 size font for easy reading by the reviewer. Only include “technology proficiencies” if you can fit it easily on the second page.

Depending on your industry, it is usually understood that the average applicant is knowledgeable in Microsoft applications, etc. However, if you are a whiz with WordPress then absolutely include this in your “Skills Section.” Your value and job skills need to be near the beginning of your first page and highlighted.

Employment Gaps

With the recent pandemic, many job seekers will have gaps in employment for various reasons. Handling gaps depends upon your specific situation, such as childcare, relocation for a spouse, or being laid off. Explaining the gap depends upon the amount of time that has elapsed, the industry, and if you’re changing careers. There are many ways to address gaps on a resume. Be prepared to tell your story at the interview in a succinct manner.

Grammar and Organization

Finally, proofread your resume very carefully. Have another person review and proofread for typos and continuity. A recent poll on LinkedIn taken stated that hiring managers felt that zero mistakes or typos should appear on resumes. Be sure the organization follows the template so the most prominent skills in the job description match the skills in on your resume. Don’t lie, but matching words will help the resume scanning software place you in the “A” pile to interview.

Review the job description carefully and be sure to tailor your resume for each job. The ATS or applicant tracking system will thank you, and you will land that coveted interview. Include the keywords that are used in the job posting on your resume for best results.

Finally, save your resume as a PDF and word document. Different companies use different formatting when resumes are submitted online. Always double check your download before you click submit for the cleanest and most reader-friendly resume. Good Luck!

Vacation Remotely  November 2022

With Covid still present worldwide and work being more flexible, think about taking a remote working vacation this year. What better way to take advantage of your time and see the world while enjoying remote work.  Below are the top spots to enjoy a trip and still easily work remotely. Even if you’ve never tried a working vacation, the pandemic has shown us, “never to say never.”

Think Big

With the ease of Wi-Fi connectivity worldwide, your imagination is the only thing stopping you from your next holiday. Of course, larger cities in the United States such as Phoenix, San Diego and New York rank very high in Wi-Fi reliability. So now think about overseas locations that would provide a life changing vacation and still allow you to work. German based company, Holidu has ranked the best cities, so check out your dream trip before summer rolls around. Bangkok, Thailand and Barcelona, Spain rank high for overseas vacation workers. So, take the time to check out other destinations that meet your needs.

Time Balance

This goes without saying, that you’re on vacation but you are working, so balance is key. Think ahead about how your typical week will be planned out. With time zones, will you be checking email at 2AM or have enough time during your day. Think through current large projects, budget deadlines or other timelines that need extra attention. Book a trip during a time that won’t require extra work or constant attention while away.  Have a list of activities to check out before you leave.  You are in a new city or foreign country so take advantage of your time and see the sites.

Legal Guidelines

If you are thinking you’d like to stay longer than a few weeks in your vacation locale, ask your company. There are tax implications, residency issues, and visa requirements if you work longer than a few weeks. This varies by country and most importantly by your organization’s HR rules. Know ahead of time how long you can stay before you encounter any legal issues or tax questions.

Asking a few questions of your employer before you venture out is a great way to start a new trend in vacations. Take advantage of remote working and see the world at the same time! Safe Travels! 

When to Make Major Life Changes October 2022

The pandemic has forced some people to re-evaluate not only their life but their livelihoods, and values as well. Would you like to change careers or just make a major adjustment in your life? Read on for tips on how to ease into making major changes and how to recognize signs to start now.

How Important Is It?

According to James Clear, major changes in life are determined by your attitude and the importance placed on the change. For some people having a child or changing jobs is a huge decision. While others don’t put as much importance on those factors in life.  It really depends on you, your partner, and your unique circumstances.

How that change will affect you and your family is also another overriding factor influencing the decision to make a change.  A child in the family is not only a time and energy commitment but it’s also very expensive. You’ll need a safe home, financial security, and a means to raise the child. All these factors when examined might scare some would-be parents. For others, having a new baby is more of an emotional decision.

When is the Right Time

How do you know if change needs to happen in your life?  There are a few red flags to look out for especially when others are affected in your circle. Is your mental and physical health in decline, due to work life balance?  Do you feel “stuck” with no place to go?  Are you picking up detrimental habits that are damaging your health? Excessive alcohol use, overeating, or overspending are a few habits that come to mind.

If you answer “Yes,” to one of these questions, it might be time to re-evaluate what’s causing the negative patterns.   Normally, if a two-week, relaxing vacation or change of scenery does not help, a major shift needs to occur.

How to Start

Start off by acknowledging your feelings, good and bad. Talk with your partner, parent, or a trusted person to discuss your situation. Break down what’s happening in more manageable objectives. Always remain positive, even if the situation looks bleak. Staying calm, working on a solution, and having a goal starts the process. Working towards the solution and outcome will gradually help you feel more in control and better about the situation.

But understand, major changes take time and energy to work through the entire process. Sometimes just acknowledging you need “something” different is enough for some folks to feel better. Hope this finds you well! 

Fostering a Growth Mindset   September 2022

The term “growth mindset” is a term leaders and entrepreneurs use to discuss learning, success, and a way toward achieving goals. What is growth mindset and how can you improve it?

Flexible Thinking

The opposite of growth mindset is a fixed mindset. According to Gemma Leigh Roberts, life coach and psychologist, building mental agility and resilience is necessary to learn from life’s challenges. In other words, turning obstacles into learning opportunities, no matter how small, is growth mindset.  This flexible way of thinking and looking at life is a growth mindset.  Like any skill, growth mindset can be learned with practice.

This new perspective allows you to explore and test new ideas creating innovation and internal confidence to achieve just about anything. Whether it’s your long-term goals in your career or life, the first step is being able to stretch your thinking. Knowing you can continue to develop skills, learn new ideas, and change your perspective. This will enable you to reach your potential and create cohesive teams as a leader. The first step is to develop a plan.

Develop a Plan and Practice

To cultivate your new mindset of growth and learning, you need to practice. Practice switching your perspective to take in new experiences and draw from those lessons. Being optimistic and taking risks to discover new concepts is crucial to adapting life-long learning behaviors.

To develop a personal mindset plan you will need to:

·      be flexible in your thinking

·      stretch your current abilities for achievable goals

·      establish objectives which are measurable toward those goals

·      ask for feedback along the way

Asking for feedback is so important to realize if real growth has happened, since as human beings, we have unconscious bias.

Clear and Measurable  

Being very clear in your objectives, making them quantifiable and detailed. This will provide a roadmap for your growth plan. If things don’t work out, then you must take those lessons and apply them to the next project or plan. The key to success for true evolution as a leader is taking those “disappointments” and learning from them.

Being truly resilient will lead you down a happier life path. Pivoting with the information learned is what makes us happier, healthier, and more successful the next time around. Our mindset really does matter every single day!

Stress Free Remote Work     August 2022

The last two years has changed the way we work, learn, and interact with friends and colleagues. Read on for easy habits to help you develop resilience when working remotely.

Mindfulness

Working remotely can be lonely and even isolating if you work from another state or country. Develop a habit of clearing your mind every morning before work begins. It’s as simple as writing a To Do list and clearing your brain. Furthermore, when you clear your mind, you are physically ready to meet challenges from work. I’m thinking examples such as, technology issues, connectivity hiccups or a very long Zoom meeting.  Making room for these challenges enables your mind to tackle extra problems easier and be more efficient.

Get a Pet

Having a pet at your remote working location has many health benefits. Research has shown that dogs and cats reduce your heart rate, provide companionship, and alleviates feelings of isolation. Having a cat is easier if your schedule is not as set. Cats can be left alone for a day or two with food and water. While dogs, require more one on one care, especially during the puppy years. Walks, playtime, and regular meals are what dogs need to thrive. The love and attention pets provide you will outweigh the time needed to provide for a healthy work companion.

Make a Major Change

With the Great Resignation a reality, consider living your dream.  What career would make you happy?  What home or lifestyle change would fulfill an unmet need in you? This is a personal, more introspective step to take, but very beneficial especially if you feel “stuck.”  Making a major change in your life, to fulfill something burning inside is a bold step. To fulfill the life, you envision is life changing, to say the least. If you are not a risk taker, this can be scary. Make sure your family is on board and you have a support system in place. Finally, having a financial plan is especially important for a major change to occur and be successful.

Working remotely will not solve all your problems or make some people happier. It’s up to you understand your individual needs and live the life you want and crave. We all have responsibilities, but if there’s a will there’s a way.  Best of luck living your dream! 

Strategic Plans Made Simple  July 2022 

SWOT analysis was covered in a another article, as the first step in creating strategic plans. If you are new to library planning or directorship, read on for simple tips to get started in strategic planning.

Six Components of a Strategic Plan

The six components needed for a robust library strategic plan are:

1.     A Vision Statement – usually taken from your organization, university, or city

2.     Core Values – your organization adheres too and embodies for your community

3.     Culture and Behaviors – need to be intertwined in the plan from the overarching values

4.     Themes from Data – need to be addressed from focus groups and surveys

5.     Timeframe Established – with deadlines to gauge results and outcomes of the plan

6.     Metrics – to provide feedback and business results for the effectiveness of the plan

Gain Support

Gaining the support of Human Resources and senior leadership is so important. This will enable your library to further explain the “why” behind the strategic plan. Your library will gain valuable partnerships. Furthermore, your success will determine having the backing of HR and your staff to see your vision behind the objectives. You need to start a year in advance with informational meetings with managers and partners involved.

Partners to Include

The Library Friends, Board and managers need to have all the information and the projected timeline for the plan. Again, you need to gain support before you invite focus groups or engage with the SWOT analysis for staff. Your first job is to engage your senior leadership, so they understand the importance of your intended road map. Having an objective for EDI, professional development, community goals is important.

Data Mining

After gaining support and hosting focus groups and surveys, develop a committee to mine the data. You will gain valuable knowledge about needs, wants and goals for your plan. This will take time to develop objectives, timelines, and metrics for the plan. Taking the necessary time to dig into the weeds is important. However, don’t let personal interests or “sacred cows” drive the strategic plan. Your leadership is the most important here to establish measurable outcomes that impact your community.

Follow Up and Feedback

The last step after your strategic plan is approved is enact and measure results. The last steps are as important as the planning stage. Your objectives will need to be measured.

Questions to consider:

·      How did the new software impact our customers?

·      Was the extra expense in personnel provide improved (and higher) access?

·      What was the outcome of the increased Wi-Fi in the building?

Again, your team's feedback and results will need to be analyzed for success and moving forward. A strategic plan, especially during Covid, is a fluid document. A Library Director needs to provide the vision and leadership to handle anything. A strategic plan gives you that roadmap to help you lead and plan for the future. 

Best of Luck and let me know how your strategic planning is moving forward during this challenging time. 

Library Budgets After Covid   June 2022 

Why a budget article in June when the budget is most likely done for the fiscal year?  I want you to think about all the changes and budget shifts likely to come in the next six months. Covid is still present. Therefore, library budgets must be constantly prioritized. Here are some strategies to consider for your next budget process.

Staffing

Pre-pandemic foot traffic has not come back to libraries. In-person programs are still unsafe in some communities. A library leader must be thinking about utilizing their staff more efficiently, since libraries are in-person services.  

You might ramp up virtual storytimes or teen programs. Consider reducing public hours to consolidate your labor budget. The minimum wage has increased in many states, so a shrinking budget is a reality. Get creative to have staff cross train and don’t rehire for vacant positions.

Collection Budget

With Ebooks and streaming movies catapulting in use last year, increase your digital collection budget. This means you will need to reduce your physical collection most likely. This is a decision not taken lightly, due to access of computers, reading needs, and the demographics of your community.

However, taking small steps to increase digital offerings will increase your library team’s efficiency and safety. Ask other like-sized library systems their recommendation to get a feel for your customers really want and need moving forward.

Rethink equipment needs

With the decrease in foot traffic, can replacement equipment be put on hold? Does the automatic sorter really need to be replaced or can it hold out another year or two? Put on your negotiator’s hat and work with your vendor to devise a budget that works for you. 

In addition to equipment, think about scaling back on physical book supplies for mending and cataloging. Does library have an outreach and events team with a budget? Economizing in every area will go a long way to balance the budget for the future.

Extending Library Services

Hear me out on this one. Libraries are unique and every community is little bit different. You need to consider internal partnerships that can share library staff (and salaries) and benefit your town.

 This could be homeless services, mobile literacy services or senior care needs. Get creative to devise a plan that will utilize your library and staff and extend the library into the community.

Basic SEO for Social Media   May 2022

Basic Search Engine Optimization or SEO is straightforward. Here are some simple tips to get your website and social media recognized. These strategies worked for me.

Be Consistent

According to LinkedIn Learning you need your name to be public on all the top social media platforms. Those top five are LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest as of this writing. If there is more than one person with your name, make the URL the same across all platforms. This allows searching easier for Google and Bing. For example, use your last name first, then first name to create a unique account. Try to avoid the underscore icon _ which is difficult to see. Avoid catch phrases that will not stand the test of time. Simple and consistent is the best sign on for each account.

Fresh Content

Next, you need to add fresh content to your feeds on a consistent basis. Whether sharing an article, photo, or update authentic content counts. Keeping your platforms fresh and updated every 3-6 months is also important. This means updating your personal profile, background photos, and hashtags as needed routinely. 

New content brings new followers and engages your current audience. Furthermore, think about a “theme” or brand for your accounts.  Accounts that are successful share work-related information, selfcare, or other special interests, like pet information. Keeping content focused on your niche will draw other potential audience members to your account.

Beware of Copyright 

Sharing and providing credit or retweeting others’ posts is okay. Posting content as your own is not. Be mindful of copyright laws and the impact you will have if you purposefully post someone else’s content. It’s better to ask permission than to just move forward with a post. This includes photos, pins from Pinterest, and other uncredited material. 

Double Up Your Efforts

Besides the top five listed above, be sure to investigate goodreads, Elephant Journal, and Tumblr if you love to read, write, or take photos. Flickr is another great public platform to host your photos for free. You can post photos later from the Flickr site and set the permissions for other’s use of your photos. Engaging on all platforms with likes, comments and replies are important to promote your brand and engage your audience.

Remembering that consistent, fresh content will draw the largest audience to your sites is key. Have fun, be positive, and learn from others in your social media circle!

Library Scheduling Made Simple   April 2022

If you are new to managing employees or unsure how to handle your team’s new schedules, read on.  Below are real world suggestions to help a new library manager navigate scheduling for public service and alleviate employee concerns.

Plan Holidays and Vacations

When employees request time off, there is usually notice given for vacation, etc… However, many times, with sick leave, no notice is provided by the employee.  The farther out the manager plans, the easier unexpected situations are to address when issues arise.   Using a spreadsheet or scheduling software, develop a template for the minimum staff needed daily to work customer service at the library. 

With your minimum number in mind, map out six to eight weeks of schedules inputting vacations, holidays, and programs.  Use remaining staff available to develop your desk schedule to serve the public and handle front facing customers. Keep in mind your customer foot traffic will be less due to building closures over the last two years.

Rotating Staff

If your library is small or has only one service desk, scheduling can be simpler than multiple customer service points. If your library has multiple floors or has a spacious floorplan, then two or even more service points usually are the norm when managing public questions. Does your library have a dedicated phone center or does the entire staff answer the phone as needed? 

Another service point, in a designated call center, requires the scheduling attention of leadership. The recommendation is to rotate professional librarians and paraprofessionals between all service points for seamless customer experiences in all areas of the library. Leadership roles should also consider covering public service points now and then, to promote cross training opportunities and increase empathy for your team’s interactions with the public. 

Resolving Concerns

Any manager has fielded complaints about the schedule “not being fair” or one employee having more public service time than another employee. This is the time to pull out your negotiating skills and Leave Policy to provide the best answers for scheduling decisions. 

Employees may not understand about staffing levels, unexpected sick time or the amount of preparation required for weekly programs. Being as consistent as possible with every employee is the best method to address conflicts and accusations of favoritism. Employees love time off the service desk, and managers need to provide a fair and equitable schedule for public service. 

Leading Through Organizational Change   March 2022

Change is inevitable, and it has an impact on any organization. Many different factors can cause it. Therefore, it is important to be able to lead effectively during an organizational change to remain competitive. In fact, organizations that can lead during change are more likely to outperform their competition. Continue reading to learn how to lead during an organizational change.

Communicate a Well-Defined Plan

A leader needs to have a plan before the change occurs. The key is to have a vision that makes clear why there is a change, how it affects the employees, and how it will turn out. When you understand all aspects of the change, it helps employees see what changes are happening and how it will benefit the company. Make sure that you share the plan in different forums. Communicate in meetings, emails, and discussions with individuals. This will help people become more comfortable before the change occurs.  It also gives them a chance to support it.

Enlist Change Agents to Help

Another way to lead during a change is to enlist change agents to help with the process. These are informal leaders who support the change and lead others by example. They will teach them how to approach change and change their mindset so that they are comfortable with it. They can lead a task force that helps explain the changes to employees.  They can organize a time for staff to ask questions. The employees will be more likely to support the change when they see others participating in the process.

Offer Training to Facilitate the Change

If you offer training to facilitate the change, employees will feel better about it. As a leader, you need to guide them through it and benefit from change management training or coaching. This will help you lead through the change. You will want to learn how to set expectations to help the employees understand the desired outcomes. In addition, you need to communicate effectively with employees about the change. Make sure that you give feedback throughout the training and motivate your employees to embrace it. 

Finally, be aware that as an “at will” employee, leaders also need the support of their organization to sustain the change. As noted, clear expectations need to be consistent for all employees and the culture needs to be healthy to maintain it. If not, the leader is on their own. 

How COVID Changed Work and Libraries   February  2022

No one would have predicted or ever thought possible a global pandemic would affect the way we learn, shop, or even work. Almost two years into our public health crisis and a few trends have emerged that will stay with us moving out of COVID territory.  The way we do business especially in the library industry will change.

Remote Work and School

Flexible hours, working from home, reduced 40-hour work weeks have all become the norm on job postings and recruitments.  The expectation our new work life balance, COVID has provided, is the permission to enjoy a more fulfilling life outside of work. With online learning continuing in many families, working remotely is a necessity to provide a valuable education for our children. Check any advertisement for administrative support, accountant, engineer, and any job that can be done remotely is advertised as such. Even public service organizations have loosened up requirements to be in the office five days a week. But what about librarians using online tools and having eBooks so readily available now. Will people head back into the library building?

More Time Less Social Interactions

The lack of social interactions at work lends itself to more time at home, mostly alone or with close family. You save time getting ready for work and with less in person meetings when Zoom or Microsoft Teams will satisfy. The need to connect with human beings is greater now after lockdown. Whether increased time on social media is good or bad is yet to be seen, but there is something to be said for potlucks and lunches out to celebrate a birthday or promotion with colleagues. Happy hour over Zoom is not quite the same as mingling and socializing in person.

Public Libraries 

Then there are jobs that will or can never change into remote careers. We think of waiters, police officers, and librarians. These are service positions, and those duties do not translate to remote work. People-facing jobs will not be able to evolve into digital or remote activities. These jobs require people, to perform in-person services and tasks. So, we need to ask the question will public libraries go away with eBooks and streaming videos? Communities will always want to eat out and need law enforcement. But what will happen to libraries in the future with online programs, streaming music, and eBooks so popular post COVID? Time will surely tell.

Tips for Productive Staff Meetings  January 2022

During this time of hybrid and remote work, meetings whether virtual or in person, are vital for healthy team morale.  Productive communication from you and senior leadership is so important to share information and gather employee feedback. Keep the following tips in mind when holding your next staff meeting. 

Agendas

Consider only hosting meetings if there is important information to be distributed that cannot be shared via email or phone. To host a meeting just because, really is not a sufficient reason. So, be sure employees are aware of the agenda sent out at least 24 hours prior to the get-together. If you’re hosting a guest speaker also include their contact on the email reminder with the attached agenda. If the meeting is a brainstorming session, be specific of the intended outcomes on the agenda. Before the meeting begins, provide employees context, and enable them to prepare their thoughts beforehand.  No one likes to waste time, so set the stage for expectations with a meeting agenda for the best results.

Online meetings

While easy to attend from your sofa, virtual meetings lack the social interaction and networking that in person gatherings provide. If your organization’s meetings are mostly virtual, establish parameters for video and audio use before the meeting. For example, will all attendees be expected to have cameras ON but muted audio unless speaking? Be sure staff are aware of the expectations for attire and participation via chat or unmuting their microphone. It’s difficult to gauge an audience virtually, so ask your questions multiple times for various responses.  Be sure to monitor the chat function to ensure no question is unanswered from an online meeting to ensure inclusion.

Note Taking

After every meeting it might seem tedious, but a short review of what was shared via email is important. Some employees might not have attended, or contacts and links were shared that staff need to complete a task.  Having information written down is important for effective communication and ease of retrieving the accuracy of the information later. Rotating the note taking responsibility among your team or designating one person each quarter is a solid strategy for note taking. It’s also an excellent professional development tool for your team’s engagement. Virtual meetings have the option to be recorded, which makes note taking and record keeping even easier. Whatever method used, be consistent and your communications and meetings will run smoothly every time.

Improving Employee Engagement       December 2021

With the pandemic changing how we live our lives such as remote work environments or new meeting platforms, engaging your employees is so important. Leaders that connect with their employees regularly with solid communication will keep up morale in their teams. Offering new opportunities to expand skillsets and keeping lines of communication open are vital to boost morale and engagement.  Doing this regularly in your library will enable your team to thrive even in the most unpredictable and changing times.  

Regular Communication

Having set library staff meetings is important in changing work environments especially with in person programming and circulation numbers down. During the pandemic lockdown, normal routines and work schedules were altered. So, expressing a clear message of what’s going on in your organization helps dispel rumors when no information is present. Clear communication keeps all your stakeholders informed and on the same page. During unpredictable times, informing staff is important to keep the lines of communication open and questions and answers flowing. When information is not shared timely or not at all, people tend to create their own answers or share misinformation.

Employee Engagement

Besides regular meetings, having a planned day or even one afternoon to schedule in house training is very important. Ongoing training will keep up the skills of your library staff and more importantly keep up morale. Having few if any customers come into the library for more than a year, hit staff hard. Many organizations are still rebounding. Some libraries describe Staff Training Day as the one time all the employees from their entire team can come together. It is an opportunity to network and learn something new to help their patrons and community. Think about having the staff plan the events of the day and act as trainers to help build professional development. Plan an entire day of learning for your librarians and staff to help increase engagement immediately with the team.

Be present

Just because you can work remotely doesn’t mean you should. Being present and seen by your library team is the most important factor to consider when increasing morale. Think about your team of library workers who must show up every day to help customers. Being present for your team and walking the floor shows you care about them and your library community.

Remember to check back every few weeks for other tips to help manage and engage your team! 

Libraries Transition Services with COVID-19    November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has lessened its severity nationwide, but this global health crisis has changed the way public services, especially libraries, with in person customer needs operate. While many of the COVID-19 safety protocols are still in place, many approaches to draw people back into the library building safely, within local health requirements, will involve the creativity and ingenuity of staff and supportive community partnerships. 

Programs Are Back

Many libraries are back to in person programming, like pre-COVID days, but with some changes. To keep families safe, hosting storytimes, book clubs or even crafting events are be held outdoors to improve air circulation, social distancing and increasing the size of the group.  With children still not being able to be vaccinated as of this posting, we have a responsibility to keep our kids safe while providing a fun, engaging storytime. Some libraries are still facilitating virtual or online prerecorded storytimes to keep their audiences and staff safe. Check your library’s website to determine what programming format is presented and the necessary precautions needed if you visit the library.

 Limited Curbside Deliveries 

Many library systems are continuing convenient curbside delivery service to vehicles and patrons outside of the library building.  The upside is there is no retraining or new messaging to the public about coming into the building for their books and other circulating items such as DVD’s and CD’s. However, if the goal is to bring people back into the physical space, moving away from curbside or reducing the service to limited times throughout the week will encourage families to browse the shelves inside the library. Combining at least one in person program per day (see above) or several each week will also provide an incentive to visit in person for all ages. 

 In the early days of the pandemic quarantining items was thought to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 due to research from library professionals.  However, this is no longer utilized for books in most systems to minimize the virus spread, but rather adhering to mask wearing, social distancing and short visits to the library should provide the necessary protection when venturing out to check out the library shelves. 

Community Partners and Outreach

Organizing more in person meetings on a limited basis, while utilizing local health safety standards will also provide the word of mouth that the library is open fully. People are used to habits and having eBooks readily available for patrons was an easy fix to satisfy literary needs during lock down. Consider utilizing your community partners from across all ages, such as Friends volunteer groups, senior living facilities and schools to have a targeted effort and marketing campaign to let your community know the library is open for business. Purchasing more physical copies of books, rather than the more expensive eBooks will also ensure patrons come into the library to pick up the latest copy of their favorite author farther than continue with all digital checkouts.  

Thinking strategically and connecting with your library partners and re-evaluating the formats of your services and programs will also help increase foot traffic into your library post COVID-19.

Library Leadership  October 2021

In most cases, leadership will look the same no matter what industry you find yourself in. However, there are some slight differences between varying fields. For instance, some leaders may have to take more hands-on roles than others. In the library industry especially, leadership is a sought-after skill in many candidates and existing employees. What exactly does library leadership look like, though? 

Commitment to Their Work

Despite what some people may believe about libraries, the daily life of a library leader is very busy. What keeps these leaders going each day is their commitment to their work, no matter how tiring. Any leader should have a special dedication to their work, but library leaders especially need to stay committed to their work. As the world becomes more remote, it is important leaders reimagine how their library can continue being relevant to their community.

Digital Technologies

There is a reason libraries continue to thrive among the digital world. The internet has been in existence for quite some time.  Many people may have been tempted to discontinue their use of libraries. However, libraries are still standing strong amongst their competition. This is largely due to the innovative leadership qualities of their management teams. Wanting to keep the magic of libraries alive, library leaders need to creatively seek out ways to spark interest in what they offer. 

This is true while also keeping up with digital technologies. Because of the innovative techniques from library leaders, libraries have found ways to embrace new technologies and promote them. eBooks and streaming movies are great examples. This keeps libraries timeless yet relevant to new customers.

Community Involvement

One of the biggest ways that library leadership stands out from other types of business leaders is their community involvement. Libraries have always been an integral part of their communities. They’ve been a place for parents to spend time with their children. Libraries have been there for students to grab research materials. In addition, libraries have helped at-risk youth find a safe space, and so much more. 

Libraries have always hosted incredible learning opportunities and community outreach programs. While many other business leaders consider becoming involved in the community in small ways, library leadership constantly requires a steady outreach to their customers. This intentional approach is what is sought out in many library leaders.  Library staff need to maintain the library’s ability to empower our customers and change their lives.