E-books have been popping up in the news everywhere lately. Regardless of one's stance on the copyright/number of uses issue, e-books seem to be here to stay. Did you know that most libraries have free downloadable audio books for computer and Ipod use and free e-books for Nooks and other e-readers? Library e-books will soon be available for Kindles as well. At the Ames Free Library through the SAILS website, there is a site called "Overdrive" where patrons can find detailed instructions on types of compatible devices, how to download software and place items on hold. Check out these links for more information:
SAILS Library Network Overdrive Site-search for e-books and music, place holds and view "always available" items.
List of library compatible e-book devices
Ames Free Library's Quick Start Guide on How to borrow e-books
The Ames Free Library will be hosting a program called Nook Chat!- Learn about E-Readers on Wednesday, May 18 at 3 pm. Hope to see you there and during your visit ask at the Circulation Desk to borrow our Nook or Kindle to use in the library!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Planning and Decision Making
Planning is a process built on objectives and strategies based on the needs of the organization, the management and its customers or patrons. There are different kinds of planning strategies including:
1.Goal based-focuses on a mission
2.Issue based-examines issues facing the organization and how to address them
3.Organic-process of figuring out the vision and then devising a plan to achieve it
The purpose of planning and decision making is to forecast the future, evaluate/eliminate waste, help the impact of change and to set standards for control.
Types of goals:
Organizational Goals-have a unified direction, promotes planning for the future, motivational, tools for evaluation.
Mission & Vision-the vision should be the highest goal, which may not be 100% achievable-it should be something to constantly be striving for, like providing the best service possible. The mission and vision should be what you want the organization to be remembered for.
Strategic Goals-Long term goals which include the stepping stones on how to achieve the mission and vision. These goals should be achievable and actually expected to be met in order to set new ones. This is usually a five year plan.
Strategic Plans
All libraries and organizations should have a strategic, or long term, plan. These plans are based on data collection, mission and goals and have "the big picture" in mind. Considerations that go into strategic plans are the state of the organization, including where you are and where you want to be, the environment, who's involved (staff, management, patrons, community), collecting data internally (through evaluation and self-analysis) and externally (speaking with the community and getting feedback).
Some questions to ask:
What makes us unique? Better?
What is your market/patron base?
Who are you trying to serve?
Who is the competitor?
What resources do you use? For what? Where?
One of the assessment tools that helps to figure out a marketing strategy (yes, even libraries have to market themselves-now more than ever!) is using a SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis is a planning and decision making aid that helps determine Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
The book Library marketing that works! by Suzanne Walters is a must read geared towards marketing and planning strategies for public libraries. Chapter two is "Using a SWOT analysis to plan your marketing strategy" and includes charts and brainstorming activities for managers to fill in the blanks, leaving them with an completed SWOT analysis in to help implement future goals and plans.
In the end, there are six steps to the planning process. They are:
1.Identify the organizations values
2.Formulate a mission and vision
3.Develop goals and objectives
4.Develop strategies and action plans
5.Implement those strategies in a long range plan
6.Monitor, evaluate and adjust the plan as needed; as objectives are accomplished and priorities shift
The key to good strategic planning includes involving everyone affected in the planning process.
Recommended reading:
Library marketing that works! by Suzanne Walters
Strategic Planning for Results by Sandra Nelson
1.Goal based-focuses on a mission
2.Issue based-examines issues facing the organization and how to address them
3.Organic-process of figuring out the vision and then devising a plan to achieve it
The purpose of planning and decision making is to forecast the future, evaluate/eliminate waste, help the impact of change and to set standards for control.
Types of goals:
Organizational Goals-have a unified direction, promotes planning for the future, motivational, tools for evaluation.
Mission & Vision-the vision should be the highest goal, which may not be 100% achievable-it should be something to constantly be striving for, like providing the best service possible. The mission and vision should be what you want the organization to be remembered for.
Strategic Goals-Long term goals which include the stepping stones on how to achieve the mission and vision. These goals should be achievable and actually expected to be met in order to set new ones. This is usually a five year plan.
Strategic Plans
All libraries and organizations should have a strategic, or long term, plan. These plans are based on data collection, mission and goals and have "the big picture" in mind. Considerations that go into strategic plans are the state of the organization, including where you are and where you want to be, the environment, who's involved (staff, management, patrons, community), collecting data internally (through evaluation and self-analysis) and externally (speaking with the community and getting feedback).
Some questions to ask:
What makes us unique? Better?
What is your market/patron base?
Who are you trying to serve?
Who is the competitor?
What resources do you use? For what? Where?
One of the assessment tools that helps to figure out a marketing strategy (yes, even libraries have to market themselves-now more than ever!) is using a SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis is a planning and decision making aid that helps determine Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
The book Library marketing that works! by Suzanne Walters is a must read geared towards marketing and planning strategies for public libraries. Chapter two is "Using a SWOT analysis to plan your marketing strategy" and includes charts and brainstorming activities for managers to fill in the blanks, leaving them with an completed SWOT analysis in to help implement future goals and plans.
In the end, there are six steps to the planning process. They are:
1.Identify the organizations values
2.Formulate a mission and vision
3.Develop goals and objectives
4.Develop strategies and action plans
5.Implement those strategies in a long range plan
6.Monitor, evaluate and adjust the plan as needed; as objectives are accomplished and priorities shift
The key to good strategic planning includes involving everyone affected in the planning process.
Recommended reading:
Library marketing that works! by Suzanne Walters
Strategic Planning for Results by Sandra Nelson
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Organizational Communication
My Professor of Management said in our last class,"In five years you may not remember much about this class, but there are two things you will nor forget. One, respect and two, communication." These are the key elements to a good work environment, and to any relationship in our lives.
Here is an overview of Organizational Communication:
Here is an overview of Organizational Communication:
Q:It may seem obvious, but what exactly is communication?
A:Communication is the process of transmitting information from one person to another
There are many different ways people communicate in the workplace:
There are many different ways people communicate in the workplace:
Oral
-Face to Face
Electronic
Electronic
-Email/IM
-Management Information Systems
-Intranets
-Extranets
Storytelling
Storytelling
-Action oriented
-Authenticity
-Phone
Written
Motivation-organizations need to provide motivators for employees to promote communication
Leadership-managers must set a good example
Group dynamics-through respect, co-workers create a positive environment for open communication
In order for communication to be effective it must be:
1.Accurate
2.Timely
3.Complete
4.Relevant
***Effective communication is the process of sending a message in a way that the message received is as close to the meaning as intended.***
Do's and Don'ts of Good Communication
DON"T give conflicting signals
DO give credible information
DON"T be reluctant to communicate with co-workers-always be respectful and engaged
DO practice good listening skills
DON"T make assumptions
Workplace Communication is a daily interaction between
individuals and it's the process in which organizations create and
shape events, so it's important to be mindful of the key principles.
Key Principles:
-Organizational communication has to be supported at management level.
-Listening skills, speaking skills and questioning skills must be constantly evolving.
-FEEDBACK!!!!!! Be sure to give feedback and recognition when someone communicates with you.
-Have a set agenda so communication is clear and well thought out.
-Try to follow up to be sure communication is clear and understood by receiving party-feedback is insurance of clearly received communication.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Reference Visit to the Brockton Public Library
One of my assignments for my Reference class was to check out a large public library's Reference area. Since I've recently moved back to my hometown of Brockton, MA., I thought I'd go check out the new library (they've had a fairly recent renovation and addition). Brockton has a population of 93, 527 people. When I walked into the library, I was amazed at how much has changed since I had been there!
The first floor consisted of a generously sized children’s room with a soundproof door, giving the children the freedom to play and be loud without disturbing the rest of the library. There were also conference rooms, offices and a community bulletin board here advertising library programs and events like computer classes and English as a Second Language programs.
The second floor contained the circulation area, and the circulating adult collection. There was also a newspaper reading room and a gift shop of locally made items like jewelry and scarves. The proceeds from the gift shop all go to the library. On this level I noticed the gorgeous artwork that decorated the walls, marble floors and the scrolling wood banisters of the stairs leading to the third floor; the reference area.
The first thing I noticed as I entered the reference area was how bustling and alive with people it was. The reference area had a huge sign hanging above it so you couldn’t miss the large desk where three staff members sat. There were many computer stations. The librarian would inform me later that there was a total of twenty three.
The Reference Librarian of the Brockton Public Library is Lucia S., and she was very excited to hear I was attending Simmons as she was an alumna of Simmons. She told me she had worked in the Brockton Public Library for thirty six years, and I could tell by her expertise of the materials as she showed me around excitedly. First she took me to the two historical rooms, which house very old documents on the history ofBrockton
Lucia informed me that art, poetry and culture have always been a huge part of the Brockton Public Library and the library owns many pieces of fine art by famous artists like Albert Pinkham Ryder and William Merritt Chase. The library also puts money in the budget every year toward the annual Art Smart contest where local high school students enter to win monetary prizes for their artwork
Lucia told me that the library serves a huge diversity of ethnic groups, especiallyCape Verdean
Lucia gave me a thorough tour of the library and the services they offer. She even took me to her office! She was approachable, knowledgeable, and displayed excellent customer service skills. While we walked around, people approached her to say hello and she responded warmly and always used the patron’s name. I definitely got the impression she would be a great librarian to ask a personal reference question because she was approachable, non-judgmental and capable. From my observations, Lucia demonstrated all of theALA
I loved the physical layout of the reference area, which was clearly marked and set up for maximum efficiency with two assistants at the desk to help with basic questions. I think the Brockton Public Library is an excellent example of an information commons because the reference area provides patrons with superior service both virtual and physical for the betterment of the community and focuses on their specific needs.
On my way out of the reference area I saw the library’s “Rules of Behavior” posted in the center of the room. They are as follows: “No smoking, eating, drinking, intimidation, harassment or threatening. Children must be supervised. No loitering, sleeping or solicitation. Shirt and shoes required.” I think this statement sums up that the Brockton Public Library is an institution that provides an atmosphere of knowledge and learning in a respectful and safe environment for the whole community. Lucia is a steward of these important values as she extends excellent reference service to the people ofBrockton
I will be a regular at my local library now that I have my new library card! If you live locally, be sure to check out this amazing city library! In the meantime, take a look at the website for more info:
http://www.brocktonpubliclibrary.org/
The first floor consisted of a generously sized children’s room with a soundproof door, giving the children the freedom to play and be loud without disturbing the rest of the library. There were also conference rooms, offices and a community bulletin board here advertising library programs and events like computer classes and English as a Second Language programs.
The second floor contained the circulation area, and the circulating adult collection. There was also a newspaper reading room and a gift shop of locally made items like jewelry and scarves. The proceeds from the gift shop all go to the library. On this level I noticed the gorgeous artwork that decorated the walls, marble floors and the scrolling wood banisters of the stairs leading to the third floor; the reference area.
The first thing I noticed as I entered the reference area was how bustling and alive with people it was. The reference area had a huge sign hanging above it so you couldn’t miss the large desk where three staff members sat. There were many computer stations. The librarian would inform me later that there was a total of twenty three.
The Reference Librarian of the Brockton Public Library is Lucia S., and she was very excited to hear I was attending Simmons as she was an alumna of Simmons. She told me she had worked in the Brockton Public Library for thirty six years, and I could tell by her expertise of the materials as she showed me around excitedly. First she took me to the two historical rooms, which house very old documents on the history of
Lucia informed me that art, poetry and culture have always been a huge part of the Brockton Public Library and the library owns many pieces of fine art by famous artists like Albert Pinkham Ryder and William Merritt Chase. The library also puts money in the budget every year toward the annual Art Smart contest where local high school students enter to win monetary prizes for their artwork
Lucia told me that the library serves a huge diversity of ethnic groups, especially
Lucia gave me a thorough tour of the library and the services they offer. She even took me to her office! She was approachable, knowledgeable, and displayed excellent customer service skills. While we walked around, people approached her to say hello and she responded warmly and always used the patron’s name. I definitely got the impression she would be a great librarian to ask a personal reference question because she was approachable, non-judgmental and capable. From my observations, Lucia demonstrated all of the
I loved the physical layout of the reference area, which was clearly marked and set up for maximum efficiency with two assistants at the desk to help with basic questions. I think the Brockton Public Library is an excellent example of an information commons because the reference area provides patrons with superior service both virtual and physical for the betterment of the community and focuses on their specific needs.
On my way out of the reference area I saw the library’s “Rules of Behavior” posted in the center of the room. They are as follows: “No smoking, eating, drinking, intimidation, harassment or threatening. Children must be supervised. No loitering, sleeping or solicitation. Shirt and shoes required.” I think this statement sums up that the Brockton Public Library is an institution that provides an atmosphere of knowledge and learning in a respectful and safe environment for the whole community. Lucia is a steward of these important values as she extends excellent reference service to the people of
I will be a regular at my local library now that I have my new library card! If you live locally, be sure to check out this amazing city library! In the meantime, take a look at the website for more info:
http://www.brocktonpubliclibrary.org/
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Conflict Management
When we think of conflict in the workplace, we usually think of it negatively. Did you know that conflict is good and actually necessary to strengthen relationships? For my management class I analyzed Leah Plocharcyk's article "On Organizational Conflict: Reaping the Benefits of Effective Conflict Management.” I couldn't believe how many types of organizational conflict occur in the workplace!. The most common type of conflict is between two individuals. I know we've all experienced this at some point in our careers, but the question is how do we deal with it? The first step is to identify the cause of conflict. Is there a lack of communication? Conflicting orders? Unrealistic job expectations? Again, the focus here is on communication. With good communication, conflict can be addressed and resolved much faster.
Q: How do we improve communication?
A: Increase employee participation and include employees in the decision making process.
There are two types of organizational conflict:
1.Constructive
2. Deconstructive
Constructive conflict is described as “well managed conflict which benefits an organization in meeting its goals by boosting productivity.” It can provide positive attributes like:
-creativity
-flair
-talent
-skillfulness
-strength and ability
This type of conflict can give employees a better outlook and boost morale. Destructive conflict adversely affects the organization. This happens when conflict is not managed correctly or is ignored altogether. When conflict is ignored it is called "conflict avoidance" and low morale and tension follow suit. Managers can promote constructive conflict by recommending employees directly deal with conflict when it first arises rather than letting it build up and fester.
Other causes of conflict that must be addressed are:
-issues with power
-competition for resources
-drive for independence
Q: How do we improve communication?
A: Increase employee participation and include employees in the decision making process.
There are two types of organizational conflict:
1.Constructive
2. Deconstructive
Constructive conflict is described as “well managed conflict which benefits an organization in meeting its goals by boosting productivity.” It can provide positive attributes like:
-creativity
-flair
-talent
-skillfulness
-strength and ability
This type of conflict can give employees a better outlook and boost morale. Destructive conflict adversely affects the organization. This happens when conflict is not managed correctly or is ignored altogether. When conflict is ignored it is called "conflict avoidance" and low morale and tension follow suit. Managers can promote constructive conflict by recommending employees directly deal with conflict when it first arises rather than letting it build up and fester.
Other causes of conflict that must be addressed are:
-issues with power
-competition for resources
-drive for independence
In order for managers to handle conflict they must know the stages.
Stages of conflict:
Stages of conflict:
~latent conflict-no clearly recognized problem;conflict has not yet happened
~perceived conflict-conflict is there but only recognized by one person
~felt conflict-conflict is here and begins to affect at least one person
~manifest conflict-when there is a response to the conflict by an affected person who also makes the conflict known and felt by outsiders
~conflict resolution-when an effort is made to fix the problem
~conflict aftermath-when the conflict has ben resolved
Plocharczyk's 5 Conflict Management Styles
1.Integrating-no clear answer;requires openness and willingness to accept new ideas
2.Obliging-a compromise of both parties-usually one gives in to the other
3.Dominating-best used when a quick resolution is needed, neither parties are consulted in this process
4.Avoiding-happens when one party doesn't recognize the conflict exists but it is causing conflict nonetheless
5.Compromising-usually happens between parties of the same status through seeking mutual resolution-this is the most effective type of conflict management because it benefits both sides
Plocharcyz talks about many different theories regarding conflict resolution. My favorite:
Tjosvold’s Four Principles of Cooperative Conflict Theory
1.Recognizing and appreciating diversity
In order for cooperative conflict theory to be successful, there must be acceptance between staff members of different ideas, opinions and beliefs.
In order for cooperative conflict theory to be successful, there must be acceptance between staff members of different ideas, opinions and beliefs.
2.Seeking mutual benefit among colleagues
This principle focuses on forming and strengthening relationships between employees to focus on common goals.
This principle focuses on forming and strengthening relationships between employees to focus on common goals.
3.Empowering employees and encouraging them to have a voice in their daily tasks
This can be done through communication. Staff meetings are a good way to promote good communication and help employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas.
This can be done through communication. Staff meetings are a good way to promote good communication and help employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas.
4.To take stock of one’s employees in order to monitor how successful the organization is in handling conflict
This is done through feedback. An example of this can be a job review where the employer and employee both provide feedback of job performance and issues.
This is done through feedback. An example of this can be a job review where the employer and employee both provide feedback of job performance and issues.
Plocharcyzk's Positive Benefits of Well-Managed Conflict
-increased problem awareness
-improved problem solving skill
-strengthened productivity-
-organizational change
-personal growth
-knowledge
-creativity
Plocharczyk's 3 Steps of Conflict Management
1.Pevention
Prevention will help employees through education to resolve conflict before it can grow.
1.Pevention
Prevention will help employees through education to resolve conflict before it can grow.
2.Itervention
Intervention is when conflict rises to the point where a supervisor becomes the mediator in order to influence a positive result of the conflict.
Intervention is when conflict rises to the point where a supervisor becomes the mediator in order to influence a positive result of the conflict.
3.Treatment
Teatment is where solutions such as counseling are proposed.
Teatment is where solutions such as counseling are proposed.
She emphasizes that good use of emotional intelligence is a key factor of conflict management. “Emotional intelligence refers to managing emotions while effectively reading other’s actions. Successful self-management will enable one to engage in healthier work relationships."
You now have all you need in order to address conflict management in a positive, healthy way!
Recommended Reading:
Daniel Goleman- Emotional Intelligence: 10th Anniversary Edition; Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Dean Tjosvold-Learning to Manage Conflict: Getting People to Work Together Productively
Recommended Reading:
Daniel Goleman- Emotional Intelligence: 10th Anniversary Edition; Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Leah Plocharcyk-"On Organizational Conflict: Reaping the Benefits of Effective Conflict Management.”
Monday, April 11, 2011
Reader's Advisory
Did you know there are great tools out there for Reader's Advisory? One of the most common questions we get at the Circulation desk at the Ames Free Library is "Can you recommend a good book?" For some people this instills great fear! What if the patron doesn't like the book you recommend? There's so much pressure! Well, after talking about this subject in class, this will always be a risk the patron takes when asking for a recommendation. Besides, there are so many great tools out there that can help librarians find the (almost) perfect book for the patron. The first step is to ask the patron what they like. This helps the librarian figure out what they're looking for.
Here are some great ways to help patrons find a good book:
1. Read, read, read! Personally, I keep my own list of authors that I've read over the years and I jot down the type of book, the style of writing and the subject matter. This helps me recommend books I've read to patrons that may have similar taste.
2. Have a designated "Recommended Books" area. At the AFL, we have a "Good Reads" section of books that the staff has read and recommends. This way patrons can go right to that area and peruse the titles for something they might like. Other libraries do this with books recommended by patrons as well.
3. There are some great databases that libraries subscribe to like Novelist and What do I read next that can help patrons find similar authors to ones they like. What do I read next even lets you pick from a list of award winners, librarian favorites, expert picks and bestsellers. I like the "Who What Where When" search which allows you to choose the age or type of character, the subject, the setting and the time period. So if a patron wants a book about a zoo keeper and the afterlife that takes place at the beach during the 100th century B.C., this is the place to go! What do I read next is available through the Ames Free Library's website with a library card. There are also a variety of free websites available for Reader's Advisory. Check these out:
allreaders.com
bookspot.com
earlyword.com
fictiondb.com
Fiction_L
Happy reading/recommending!
Here are some great ways to help patrons find a good book:
1. Read, read, read! Personally, I keep my own list of authors that I've read over the years and I jot down the type of book, the style of writing and the subject matter. This helps me recommend books I've read to patrons that may have similar taste.
2. Have a designated "Recommended Books" area. At the AFL, we have a "Good Reads" section of books that the staff has read and recommends. This way patrons can go right to that area and peruse the titles for something they might like. Other libraries do this with books recommended by patrons as well.
3. There are some great databases that libraries subscribe to like Novelist and What do I read next that can help patrons find similar authors to ones they like. What do I read next even lets you pick from a list of award winners, librarian favorites, expert picks and bestsellers. I like the "Who What Where When" search which allows you to choose the age or type of character, the subject, the setting and the time period. So if a patron wants a book about a zoo keeper and the afterlife that takes place at the beach during the 100th century B.C., this is the place to go! What do I read next is available through the Ames Free Library's website with a library card. There are also a variety of free websites available for Reader's Advisory. Check these out:
allreaders.com
bookspot.com
earlyword.com
fictiondb.com
Fiction_L
Happy reading/recommending!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Answering Reference Questions
My last assignment for my Reference class was to answer ten reference questions without using Google. This was a bit overwhelming, but it was a good way for me to get to know the Simmons databases that are available to me....and there are A LOT! There are many resources out there to answer all kinds of reference questions. Some resources are better than others for specific types of questions. The textbook for my reference class, Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century, has compiled a huge number of resources with a breakdown of what each one is good for. Many of these resources are only available through subscriptions, but there are quite a few free options as well. Here is a quick overview of the types of reference questions and some of the free sites that are available to anyone looking for answers or doing research.
Types of Reference Questions:
Ready Reference- these types of questions have a single answer, i.e. who was the 22nd President of the U.S.?
Bibliographic Verification-finding a citation of a particular source.
Research-open-ended, no single factual answer.
Information and Referral Services- this includes ILL services, and referring patrons to other resources, such as the historical society, or even health professionals for health related questions.
Selective Dissemination of Information-this is when librarians continually compile research on a particular subject, i.e. results of case studies for doctors that are doing research on particular drugs. These usually occur in academic libraries.
Encyclopedia Resources
http://www.britannica.com/
www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/
www.encarta.msn.com/artcenter_/browse.html
www.encyclopedia.com/
http://www.wikipedia.com/
Tip: Be cautious using Wikipedia. It's a great place to start , especially to check out the sources used to refer users to more trustworthy information, but keep in mind it can be edited by anyone.
Types of Reference Questions:
Bibliographic Verification-finding a citation of a particular source.
Research-open-ended, no single factual answer.
Information and Referral Services- this includes ILL services, and referring patrons to other resources, such as the historical society, or even health professionals for health related questions.
Selective Dissemination of Information-this is when librarians continually compile research on a particular subject, i.e. results of case studies for doctors that are doing research on particular drugs. These usually occur in academic libraries.
Free Sites to Help Answer Reference Questions:
Encyclopedia Resources
http://www.britannica.com/
www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/
www.encarta.msn.com/artcenter_/browse.html
www.encyclopedia.com/
http://www.wikipedia.com/
Tip: Be cautious using Wikipedia. It's a great place to start , especially to check out the sources used to refer users to more trustworthy information, but keep in mind it can be edited by anyone.
Ready Reference
Dictionaries
Events and Issues, Past and Present-Journal articles, full text and more
Health
Law
Business
Geography
People
Government
www.usa.gov
www.gpoaccess.gov
www.census.gov/compendia/statab/
www.thomas.gov
www.un.org/documents/
Whew! Happy searching!
www.gpoaccess.gov
www.census.gov/compendia/statab/
www.thomas.gov
www.un.org/documents/
Whew! Happy searching!
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