Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (KHCPL) managers recently responded to those questions. There was surprising uniformity in the answers. Overwhelmingly, they chose moments that helped them to see their colleagues differently. Here are some favorites:

Pop Quiz

Whether it’s about personality type, leadership style, or something more specific, our managers have valued quizzes that identify our strengths, especially when used with people we already think we know. There is a seemingly endless number to choose among; one we enjoyed was “Your Leadership Orientation”[1], which we learned about at a Library Journal Lead the Change[2] event. An activity that helped us process the results of the quiz was literally lining up by our numerical score for each of the four orientations. It was definitely helpful to find myself standing right next to a colleague with whom I thought I had absolutely nothing in common. We also benefitted from the chance to see each other as complex individuals with varying strengths.

Round Robin

A highlight of meetings we’ve attended has been when everyone around the table answers a question or completes a statement. After reading The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, managers used an exercise described in the book by taking turns sharing something that was hard during their childhoods. At least one of those stories created an “aha” moment for me that explains a lot about a co-worker’s personality. The activity doesn’t have to be entirely serious, however, to build relationships. Silliness can also be a great antidote to tension. Try asking, “If I were an ice cream flavor, I’d be _________ because _________.” or “If I could have any super power, it would be __________.” If you need something simple and easy to remember, our go-to is, “Tell us something good.”

Take the Challenge

One way to see your co-workers in a new light is to work with them on a team challenge. The possibilities for team-based tasks are many and varied: setting mousetraps and placing them in a particular order within a set amount of time, working together to navigate an obstacle course, or safely guiding a blindfolded companion to a destination without touching him or her. Working together on something totally outside regular, day-to-day duties will highlight all sorts of personality traits and quirks. Watch for problem-solving skills, risk tolerance, the ability to organize the team, and how individuals respond to the activity’s stated rules.

But We Have Work to Do

If you worry that spending time on personal histories or non-work-related exercises is a waste of time, consider how much time is stolen by poor working relationships. Avoiding working with a colleague can affect productivity in the short-run or outcomes in the long-run. A lack of trust can result in gossiping, complaining, or secret post-mortems conducted after meetings.  Each of these not only takes up large chunks of time but are also likely to hurt morale.

Being proactive about building relationships and trust has proven to be worth every second at KHCPL. It has not only made work more fun but it’s also led to better cross-departmental teamwork, greater willingness to take risks, and all-around improvements in performance.

Try adding a seemingly impractical element to your next meeting. It could be an excellent use of time and become one of your best meetings ever.

References

[1] http://www.leebolman.com/Leadership%20Orientations.pdf

[2] http://lj.libraryjournal.com/lead-the-change/programs/engagement/#_

The post The Best Meeting Ever first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

In its original context, Haight Street Rat was presumed to be aimed at the practices of a nearby boutique that allegedly profited from street art without crediting or sharing revenue with the artists. True or not, there’s definitely an oversized, stenciled painting of a beret-wearing rat on exhibit in a public library.

Choosing a foray into street art had inherent risks. The public could perceive it as tacit approval of any and all graffiti. Relationships with business owners or other entities (e.g. police) could suffer if a spate of local spray painting sprang up. It’s a potentially divisive venture for the staff or board. We learned, however, that, just as in finance, greater risk also has the potential for greater reward. In this case, a medium-sized library’s story was picked up by the Associated Press, made news in multiple outlets in the nearest metropolitan area, was promoted state-wide, and continues to travel across the Internet. It is every marketer’s dream.

Photo Courtesy of Kokomo-Howard County Public Library

As is always true, having—and utilizing—a range of staff expertise was absolutely key. Dedicated employees who work with facilities removed and disassembled shelving, patched and painted a wall, and devised a trial run to make sure we could get the shipping crate into the building. Graphic arts literally worked overtime to implement Marketing’s vision. A cataloger, who happens to have great people skills, staffed one of the most vital areas during the event that followed the piece’s unveiling. A processor who is passionate about art arranged an exhibit with a local artist whose surreal style complements Banksy. While media coverage focused on the staffer who thought of bringing the Banksy piece to the library, ideas without implementation have little to no value. It took the whole team, with their varied skills, to bring the idea to life.

KHCPL also benefitted from employees who could think as if they were patrons. They realized visitors would want to do more than look at one piece of art. As a result, there is a display of matted prints of other Banksy work along with specially created handouts including a guide to other art to visit in our community. There is also a “What Would the Rat Say” caption contest for adults and a “Find the Rat” activity for kids. The traffic flow also routes visitors past a station where they are invited to sign a guest book, an act that reinforces the idea that the visit is noteworthy.

Photo Courtesy of Kokomo-Howard County Public Library.

To make a potentially big event feel significant to your patrons, spending a little extra money can help to create a “wow” factor. In the case of the Haight Street Rat, a limited supply of commemorative pins has been a real draw. The Friends of the Library came alongside and took the financial risk on another extra, selling a custom-designed shirt. While there are times when it’s truly not possible to splurge, finding the right combination that creates a memorable experience for patrons can go a long way toward updating the community’s perception of what libraries do.

Your big project will probably won’t involve a rat, but the principles are the same. Consider saying “yes” to an idea that’s a bit risky, give staff the chance to grow the idea and let them shine, and look for ways to add in the extras that make it really pop.

Resources

American Libraries magazine

CNN – New Banksy Brexit Mural Unveiled on Day of French Vote

LA Weekly – Banksy’s “Haight Street Rat”

US News – Kokomo Library to Display Banksy Street Artwork

The post Lessons from Banksy Booked first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

That last bit, “…accessible and affordable for everyone,” sounds as if a public library thought of it. It does, in fact, match the criteria for a Summer Wellness Challenge that the Kokomo-Howard County (Indiana) Public Library (KHCPL), is currently running for staff.

The handout has the look of a game board or bingo card, with topical column headings such as “Time to Eat” and “Take a Hike.” Somehow, the perky appearance and 25 extremely simple activities make it seem inviting, more like play than something the doctor ordered. Staff were given several challenge levels to choose from, ranging from 10 to 20 activities. The challenge is a pilot program; the goal is to see if the library should try something similar on a larger scale to raise wellness awareness and motivation in the community.

Image courtesy of Kokomo-Howard County Public Library.

Offering a range of activities that are accessible to all is more difficult than it may appear. Transportation, for example, may not be readily available to access a park or a farmer’s market. In response to the invisible barriers some participants might have, the highest level of completion is 20 out of 25 activities. This alleviates the stress of not having access to wearable fitness technology, a smartphone app, or even a pedometer for the “Walk 10,000 steps in one day” challenge or allows the person with osteoporosis to skip a challenge like “try three yoga poses.” The 25 activities selected were purposefully low-tech and readily achievable despite any number of personal differences including neighborhoods, income levels, and general health.

Because the pilot is being done with employees, it was easy to get additional information via a short survey. About two-thirds of the staff responded to the survey. In order to gain insight into their response one question asked was, “If you plan to participate, what is your primary motivation?” Of the choices provided, most want to be healthier, but significant percentages just thought it looked like fun or saw it as a positive team experience. (See pie chart below). Of respondents, 60 percent plan to participate in the challenge, 25 percent do not plan to participate, and 15 percent were undecided when they filled out the survey. We also learned that our staff is a great pilot group for the challenge in that 39 percent of them exercise only occasionally or never, so they have plenty of room for growth in developing healthy habits. Only 18 percent of respondents exercise four times per week or more.

An optional comment section of the survey was also enlightening. Some respondents made their choice to participate based solely on the rewards offered whereas others didn’t care about external incentives at all. Positive comments focused on the number of choices given, saw it as an alternative to workout videos, or emphasized that it was plain fun. They also emphasized the additional motivation it provided: “I am really enjoying this challenge. I have gotten back into some healthy habits that I had gotten out of. And I hope before it’s done, I add some new healthy habits.” One comment said, “Even if I don’t participate, I think it is a great idea.”

KHCPL’s tentative conclusions are as follows:

• More people are willing to choose healthy behaviors if the opportunities focus on something beyond health, e.g. their sense of fun or their desire to be a team player.
• Freedom of choice is an appealing element in wellness activities.
• Incentives that are perceived as valuable will net some wellness efforts, at least while the incentives are offered.

Once the Wellness Challenge has ended, KHCPL will assess whether something as simple as a grid of suggested activities could help to motivate community residents to improve their wellness.

Resources

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/

The post Summer Wellness Challenge first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

According to the Today Show’s website, local Kindness Rocks groups are springing up around the country. The geographic groupings may be as large as your state or as small as a rural community and often form on Facebook. In my area there’s a Facebook group of more than 500 members for my county of 80,000 residents, several of whom are my Facebook friends, and they’ve found and posted the Today Show article linked above. Facebook also hosts the page for the official movement.

A quick Google search of “Kindness Rocks” brings up media coverage from a variety of newspapers, television, blogs large and small, and, of course, Pinterest. So, how did Megan Murphy, the woman behind it all, start a viral, movement that has spread across the US and to countries as diverse as Germany, Thailand, and Haiti? It began as her personal hobby, and as she saw how it touched other people she added a website and social media. For a bit more about the early days of the project, including the anonymity Murphy used at first, check out this post on the Scary Mommy blog.

Whether a painted rock has a greeting-card-like sentiment, a quote from Nelson Mandela, or a simple smiley face, it could be just what someone needs when it’s found. It can be artistically beautiful or very rudimentary. The fact that there is no one “right” way to inspire another person makes this a potential library project for any and all ages and events.

If the word “paint” makes alarm bells go off in your head, simply prep-paint the base coat color onto the rocks prior to your public event and reduce the needed supplies to markers. You also have plenty of options to make it part of a larger, themed experience. It could easily fit an event or emphasis on friendship, diversity, mental health, art, or communication.

Your audience may also respond to the simple invitation to be the creative force behind stealthy and random acts of kindness. After all, kindness really does rock.

The post Kindness Rocks first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Since grants, in general, tend to fund new-and-improved services, it’s not surprising that there are options designed to help your library address a particular need. The Loleta D. Fyan award is a great example. Its purpose is “…the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide.” The award funds something replicable or otherwise applicable beyond the local level that is innovative and future-oriented, and it’s worth up to $5,000.00. If you think that sounds current and trendy, you’ll be impressed to know that Fyan was ALA president in the early 1950s. A less intuitive option is the H.W. Wilson Library Staff Development Grant. This requires a fairly typical grant application with objectives, a budget, project timeline, and evaluation plan so this would take a bit of planning. However, if you have ambitious staff-development goals, this could help to pay for group materials, a consultant, or other expenses.

As mentioned above, there are several grants that will pay a flat amount toward attending ALA’s Annual Conference. One of the most general is the EBSCO ALA Conference Sponsorship which is open to any degreed librarian who doesn’t supervise other librarians; it reimburses actual expenses up to $1,000.00. Other conference grants may have varying specific requirements, including the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award and the MANGO/NMRT Professional Development Grant, both of which require membership in the New Members Round Table. The Baker and Taylor Conference Grant is open only to librarians who work directly with young adults.

In addition to scoping out the list of grants and fellowships, you might also want to see if you or your library has a recent accomplishment fit for a professional recognition award. If that you are short on time, try visiting the web pages of the specific ALA divisions or round tables most of interest to you. The site’s left side bar will likely have a category that includes the subject, “Awards,” which will link only to the awards given by that group. Also, check out ALA’s Public Programs Office. This office awards programming opportunities, including traveling exhibitions, through a competitive process.

These grants and awards can be just the thing to help you break out of a rut, grow your staff, make a new project a possibility, or recognize the progress you’ve made.

The post ALA’s Awards and Grants Can Give Your Library a Boost first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Public Libraries Online: RA for genre readers seems as if it could be a minefield. How do I know if the reader who loves Zane Grey will like William Johnstone if I’ve never read a Western?

Becky Spratford: I am not going to lie, this is not an intuitive skill. I call this type of question RA 201. To help genre readers you need to take the time to learn about the conventions of each genre. How the writers write and what readers are looking for. I spend a lot of time training library workers both how to learn the basics and then “stay in genre shape,” so that you know the trends and changes to every genre. It’s not that hard once you make a work out plan to stay in shape. But these are things you would have had to have done before you got this question.

In this specific case, you would need to understand more about why the reader in front of you loves Zane Grey and in your mind, compare that to what you DO KNOW about the genre he writes in. Get them to talk about why they enjoy his books every time. You will probably hear something about the setting, the fast pace, and the sympathetic yet loner heroes. If you have done your work to know about Westerns and their tropes as a genre, you will be able to fill in some of blanks that the reader is not specifically mentioning.

To see if this reader would also like William Johnstone [or another Western author in your collection], you have to learn more about Johnstone. You already know enough about Grey. That is also an important point to make. You don’t need to look up much more about Grey because everything you need to know about Grey in relation to this reader was just told to you.

To learn more about Johnstone quickly I suggest looking on NoveList or in the 5 star and 1 star reviews on Goodreads [the lovers and the haters as I like to call them] for his books. This search will quickly reveal why people love or hate Johnstone. Do those love reasons match what your reader said about Grey? Or is it the 1 star people for Johnstone who sound more like your Grey fan?

You also will quickly learn that Johnstone has a lot more violence than Grey and while Grey’s depictions of The West are nostalgic and idealized, Johnstone’s are a lot more gritty and realistic. Those observations could make or break whether or not the reader in front of you would enjoy Johnstone. But don’t decide for the reader. Instead, I would let readers know this information and let them decide for themselves whether to give Johnstone a try. If they want to, great, if not, we have to try another author. And maybe you don’t want to only offer Western choices. But that is RA 301.

The point is that you are allowed to use resources to answer RA questions just like you would for a reference question. Let the patron know you are unfamiliar with the authors but that you are both committed to helping him find his next good read AND that you know where the two of you can look for more information…together. The RA conversation is a team sport. You need to work together. Don’t be afraid to admit that you haven’t read something, but be confident that you know how to help any reader.

PL: Librarians looking to improve at RA should definitely stop by your blog and take advantage of the meaty posts and the extensive tagging/archive. What other advice do you have for someone wanting to up his/her game?

BS: Just like anything the answer is—- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

I’ve already mentioned ways staff can practice book talking with each other at their service desks, but there are also easy ways to practice making suggestions without having a the pressure of a patron standing impatiently in front of you.

Here are two examples:

Book Riot’s free Get Booked podcast is your perfect RA practice tool. Get Booked is a weekly show of customized book recommendations. People write in, tell the hosts what kind of books they like and/or what they are looking to read next, and then the hosts suggest titles.

Listening to Get Booked is a great way to see the rage of reading tastes that are out there, and simply passively listening to the hosts come up with suggestions and hear their “why” statements is useful. But you can also use Get Booked as an active training tool.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Play the podcast and listen to the first query.
2. Write down what the reader is looking for.
3. Hit pause BEFORE the hosts give suggestions.
4. Use your favorite RA tools to identify some suggestions and include notes as to why you chose the titles you did,
5. Listen to what the hosts suggested.
6. Compare not only the titles, but the “whys.”
7. Repeat for the rest of the episode

In this active practice mode, you are not only providing RA in a simulated real time atmosphere, but you are also able to compare your ideas and suggestion with 2 other people, immediately.  Yes, this practice technique does not provide a way for you to speak to the “patron” after the fact to find out if your suggestions were okay, but it does simulate the “ask and answer” time frame that you would experience at the service desk and provides you with two other perspectives to compare your notes with.

Second, practice on a colleague. Ask interested staff to submit a list of their three favorite books (recent or all time) and a sentence or two as to why they love these titles. They should also include any books or genres that they definitely don’t like. Take all of the lists and mix them up, randomly assigning them to other staff members. Give the participants some time to work on their “reader” and come back to him or her with 3 suggestions. Everyone read one of the suggestions and get back to their suggester with comments on how it was.

This exercise not only gives the person providing RA a chance to practice finding suggestions, but also, ensures that the suggester will get feedback from the reader, something that does not always happen when we work with patrons. This exercise also allows all participants to experience both sides of the RA Service interaction. And everyone gets a personalized list of reading recommendations as their prize for participating!

PL: Traveling and presenting widely on RA must give you a broad perspective on how libraries provide this service. What trends do you see happening?

BS: Libraries are starting to realize that their staff is their best resource and are working hard to merchandize them for their expertise. This trend first began as libraries started to make Staff Recommendation displays but is now moving into services like Multnomah County [OR]’s My Librarian or Lawrence [KS] Public Library’s Book Squad. These campaigns put the staff member behind the picks in the forefront. It lets the patrons know the face and even a bit of the personality that is behind their services. This creates a closer connection between the staff and the patrons, battles the very real specter of library anxiety that some patrons feel, and allows all staff to feel more appreciated for their hard work.

A trend in reading is that with the ease and proliferation of e-books people are now reading more than they did 17 years ago when I first started doing this. More books and a mastery of another format to get their stories means patrons are less format specific. When readers ask for a book, many are willing to read it however you can get it to them fastest, be it e-book, print, or even audio. Audiobooks is actually the fastest growing segments of the “book” market right now. So buy popular titles in lots of formats, but also, don’t assume your e-book person only wants an e-book or your print person will only read print. Make sure you let them know all of the formats you have their story in.

A surprise trend of 2017 is the resurgence of interest in being in a library book club. About 10 years ago many libraries saw a decline in the number of patrons interested in being in library hosted book clubs. At the same time the home based book club was really taking off.  However, the trend has come full circle as at home book clubs are feeling like they are losing direction and are turning to their local libraries for help. I have gone from being asked to help library book clubs stay alive to being hired to help train even more book club leaders in just the last few years.

PL: It seems cruel to talk to an avid reader and not ask you to recommend a book or two, so what’s something you’ve read recently that you loved and what made it such a great read?

BS: Here are a few:

Travelers Rest by Keith Lee Morris: “A family– husband, wife, 10 year old son, and recovering alcoholic uncle are traveling East from Washington back to South Carolina over the Christmas break when a snow storm forces them to stop for the night in Good Night, Idaho at the historic “Travelers Rest” hotel, a seemingly small decision that forever changes all of their lives. With its slow burn pacing, readers are swept up into a time bending, haunted house story that is terrifying without any blood, but features a menace that is definitely not of this world. It is a story about familial love, memory, and identity that will make you think, but it is the creepy tone that will continue to haunt you after the final page. Think Twilight Zone meets The Shining and you know what your stay at Travelers Rest will entail.”

American Housewife: Stories by Helen Ellis: These are stories of modern women, from right now, not the 1950s, who are extremely flawed [even bordering on unreliable at times], have pent up rage, and are not afraid to extract revenge. They do not hold back, but they also get their revenge with a smile on their face– a pasted on, fake smile, but a smile nonetheless. And the result is hysterical. I listened to this one and the audio is especially good.

Children of the Dark by Jonathan Janz was my second favorite horror read of 2016. Second only to Joe Hill’s The Fireman.  From the first line of the novel Will, a fifteen year old kid from rural Indiana, lets us know that he has a story to tell, a horrific story of the summer when he watched seventeen people die. Talk about anxiety. It is this intense tension that drives the narrative, but with the addition of a serial killer with a surprisingly connection to Will, a recently awoken ancient evil, fast paced, bloody action sequences, and a cast of well-developed characters you get an original story with a classic horror feel. This is a perfect read for patrons who miss old school Stephen King.

Each title has a much longer review available on RA for All. Just put the title into the search bar.

The post Secrets of Readers’ Advisory — Part Two first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Public Libraries Online: Whenever someone is known as an expert on something, I’m always curious about the path that led there. Would you share a quick recap of how you became an RA guru?

Becky Spratford: While I was in library school getting my master’s degree, on a whim, I took an elective class on Readers’ Advisory (RA). I thought it would be fun, but little did I know it would be one of the best decisions of my life. That class was the first time I had ever heard of being a professional leisure book suggester. Then, about a year later, while in my last semester, I applied for an opening to create an RA Department from scratch at the Berwyn [IL] Public Library.

I wasn’t even sure if RA was all I wanted to do when I went to Berwyn; I didn’t think it would be intellectually stimulating enough. But it was too good of an opportunity to turn down, and good thing too, because boy, was I wrong. My director gave me the room to make the RA Department what I wanted it to be.  She gave me a place to grow and learn to the point at which now I am writing the textbooks, leading the RA seminars, and writing an RA blog that is listed in textbooks. I went from not being sure, to being THE expert. And I have never been bored a day since.

I wrote more about those early years and the librarian who posted that opening as a memorial to her after her death here on my blog.

PL: Based on the presentations you’ve given on Readers’ Advisory, what’s one thing that tends to elicit an “aha” moment in the audience?

BS: People seem to think they can’t possibly do RA without having read the book they are suggesting to the person in front of them. To get them over this hump, I have people start with an all-time favorite book and have them describe why they love it to a colleague but the catch is they can only use adjectives and not describe the plot at all. This forces them to get comfortable with describing WHY a book is enjoyed without the crutch of plot, but the “aha moment” comes when it is their turn to listen to their colleague describe why he or she loves their book. By listening, the trainee begins to see how WHY we all like the books we do is the point of RA. When you remove the genre and plot specifics, you are left with the essence of the story and how it makes the reader feel. That is something every reader can understand and relate to. Even if the paired up colleagues have completely different reading tastes, they can hear and feel each other’s enthusiasm for the stories they love. It is that feeling we try to match as we work with readers, not a specific title.

Providing RA is as much about listening to others describe a book as it is about being able to book talk a perfect match. When people realize that, at its essence, RA begins as a conversation about books and reading, likes and dislikes, it all seems easier. That is something we all already do.  I show them that they already know a lot more than they think they do. After this breakthrough, they have confidence to try it with patrons. Then all it takes is practice to improve.

PL: Many of us probably think of Readers’ Advisory as being strictly a one-on-one conversation that takes place at a desk or in the stacks. Beyond book lists, are there other activities we should look at as ways to extend our RA reach?

BS: Talking with readers, making and posting book lists, putting up displays, and writing reviews are all great example of RA service, but there is much more you can do for sure. Basically anything you can do to remind your patrons that you are ready and willing to talk about what they are reading and watching in their free time is a way to extend your RA reach.  Here are three easy, fun, and outside of the box examples:

Create a library Goodreads shelf and have staff members post the books they are already reading with a sentence or two about what kind of reader would like it. The compound interest of multiple staff members contributing really adds up quickly. Plus patrons are already on Goodreads posting their books. They will be thrilled, and probably a bit surprised, to see you there too.

One of my favorite tricks is to really surprise patrons with unexpected RA service by putting read-alike suggestions at the end of the books they are reading.

Here is an example I made:

Did you enjoy reading The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker? You may also enjoy these other titles from our collection.

Forever by Pete Hamill also uses a mixture of fiction and fantasy to tell a moving immigrant story set in New York City. Forever spans centuries with an immortal protagonist, and The Golem and the Jinni is set in 1899, but both stories invoke the mythology of “the old country.”

For those who want another tale of magical realism with amazing world-building, fluid storytelling, and a tone which, while darker is infused with an overwhelming sense of hope, try Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus.

The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks is a good choice for readers who want another novel featuring Jews and Arabs working together to save something precious. Brooks’ tale alternates between the past and the present, but features a similar magical tone and a look into the customs, traditions, and ways of those who came before us.

— From your local library

All you have to do is make a template for sizing and then have any and all staff contribute. Ask them to pick a book in the collection they have read and give you their read-alikes [the books this book reminded them of]. Each staff member can write as little or as much about the whys as they want. The key is to get these lists affixed into the back of as many books as possible. Patrons love finding them and as a result, finding their next good read.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of staff talking to each other at the service desk about books, movies, TV shows, graphic novels, etc. As long as it can be checked out at your library, staff should be encouraged to talk about why they like these items that they consumed in their own leisure time. It makes for good book sharing practice and it serves as an advertisement for your willingness and ability to offer leisure reading and viewing matches to your patrons. Many patrons are afraid to “bother” us with their leisure requests. If we are already sharing our own leisure reads with each other, our patrons will be more willing to come talk to us about their needs too. Yes, believe it or not, talking to each other at the desk is RA too.

Check back next month for more insight on Readers’ Advisory from Becky.

The post Readers’ Advisory Secrets — A Conversation with Becky Spratford first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The handful of people behind that Twitter account are librarians who have created a substantive #LibrariesResist Resource List.[1] The list provides information professionals with tools to help communities that are most affected by recent political changes. It was created by activists who are volunteering their time because they are passionate about these issues. The list can be found at bit.ly/LibrariesResist, it’s creators welcome any help in expanding the guide. Despite being a work in progress, it is impressive in its breadth and depth, including the prefatory “General Information about Activism, Calls to Action, and Understanding the U.S. Government.” To date, the Resource List has logged more than 2,000 direct hits and has been directly linked from multiple sites.[2]

The “Library Programs, Displays, Exhibits” section of the Resource List has a scholarly and somewhat theoretical bent. For additional  ideas for displays and programs, check out Kelly Jensen’s photographic essay on Bookriot.[3] From the most basic of displays to a professional caliber traveling exhibit, this collection represents an enormous spectrum and is sure to inspire you.

LibrariesResist began its public life on social media. It has active Twitter and Facebook accounts that garnered 1,000 followers within the first week and both continue to offer timely content. On February 11, for example, in the context of reports of ICE raids, LibrariesResist Facebook posted the ACLU’s tip sheet in English and Spanish on what to do if ICE agents come to your door.

Image Courtesy of Rebecca McCorkindale

The broader concept of resistance in libraries was covered in a PBS article on February 13. It alludes to a renewed interest in the role of libraries in our time of “alternative facts” and shares significant library resistance news. It leads off with inclusive library graphics by Rebecca McCorkindale, summarizing the moves by the Trump administration that have encouraged librarians to mobilize, and talks about the issues surrounding libraries and the role of #LibrariesResist.[4]

The #LibrariesResist movement allows you to be involved in activism in the way that best suits you. If you are looking to get involved, the following are some practical steps to consider:

1. Become familiar with the #LibrariesResist Resource List so you know what’s readily available.
2. Follow #LibrariesResist on Facebook and/or Twitter.
3. Utilize Rebecca McCorkindale’s graphics to let your community know that you serve everyone.
4. Create a display or program that features diversity and inclusion.
5. Provide fact-checking how-to info on handouts or your website.

References

[1] “#LibrariesResist Resource List,” #LibrariesResist Resource List, accessed February 14, 2017, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g79sSAlP03rdiVHraeb9PFlhbL_5ZLVFFRYiOqhZs_w/pub.

[2] Matthew Haugen in email interview with the author, February 2017.

[3] Kelly Jensen, “Libraries Resist: A Round-Up of Tolerance, Social Justice, & Resistance in US Libraries,” BOOK RIOT, February 10, 2017, accessed February 14, 2017, http://bookriot.com/2017/02/10/libraries-resist-round-tolerance-social-justice-resistance-us-libraries/.

[4] Elizabeth Flock, “Why these librarians are protesting Trump’s executive orders,” PBS, February 14, 2017, accessed February 14, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/librarians-protesting-trumps-executive-orders/.

The post The #LibrariesResist Movement first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Public Libraries Online: The audience for these comments is public librarians. Do you have a personal library experience they’d like to hear about?

Carrie Ann DiRisio: Absolutely. Not only is my mother a public librarian, who raised me with a deep love of libraries, I am also incredibly grateful to my middle school librarian, Ms. Soplop, who encouraged me to read widely, and also was among the first to read my very first novels.

PL: Would you share a tweet or two that you, personally, thought were among your best?

CAD: “Hey you. If you’re having a bad day, it’s probably just the first chapter of an awesome story.
And you’re clearly the main character.”

“Wanted: other dude in love triangle
Must be: complete opposite of me in everything but equally good looking
Also good at losing and/or dying”

PL: The tweets have a bit of snark but aren’t mean-spirited. Is there a trick you use to achieve that balance?

CAD: I think the secret is just having a deep love of the genre. Mockery with no love behind it is cruel. I deeply appreciate and adore so much of YA that the tweets come from a place of good-natured ribbing.

PL: What’s your usual process for coming up with tweets? Do you jot things down as they come to you or do you follow a more complicated series of steps?

I have a giant stack of post-it notes by my computer, full of ideas for tweets. Sometimes I think of them off the cuff, other times, I come up with a bunch all at once. Last week I watched a popular movie, and it gave me materials for days.

PL: Can you still get lost in reading a YA novel or do you find yourself always on the alert for “material”?

Oh, no, I’m always getting lost in books still! I don’t think anything could take away my love for the immersive magic of fiction, not even Broody’s swoony self.

PL: Who are a few of your favorite YA authors? If they use any bad boy tropes, mum’s the word.

Hah! Well, I always say that tropes are tools. Some of my favorite writers include tropes such as bad boys with hearts of gold, and I love them to pieces. Recently, I’ve greatly enjoyed Heidi Heilig’s The Girl from Everywhere, which features a really cool twist on time traveling, and Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova, for its lush language and deeply immersive storytelling. I’ve also just started Timekeeper by Tara Sim, and I’m utterly enthralled by her characters.

PL: Does your Broody platform factor into any next steps you have for yourself or your career?

Well I’m thrilled to share this news: Broody’s book will be out in the summer of 2017, from Skypony Press! This will be a parody “advice book” full of Broody’s words of wisdom, as well as fun activities and games.

Carrie Ann DiRisio is a YA writer and creator of @BroodingYAHero. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pitt., and is currently pursuing her masters in Digital Marketing, although her true dream is to become a Disney Villainess, complete with a really snazzy gown. She’s previously presented at SCBWI Western PA and YALSA Symposium on social media marketing. She can be found at www.creativelycarrie.com.

The post YA Writer Dishes on Parody Twitter Account first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

It’s easy to worry about the issues that are facing public libraries: broadening service needs, shrinking public funding, and complex social problems. This is a great time of year, however, for me to refocus on something I can control: my own behavior. In my ongoing quest for excellence I follow blogs, read books, attend workshops and watch webinars. Perhaps, however, there is a simpler answer that is literally closer to home. I could learn a few lessons from my dog.

Chief is a great listener. Even though his mastery of the English language is limited, he excels at listening intently to what I have to say. As soon as I start to speak, his body language changes, showing me that he is focused on our communication. No one is perfect and there are times when he gets distracted (say, by a squirrel).  Generally, though, he assumes that whatever I have to say matters and it shows.

He’s also a star communicator. If he has an opinion on something—that it’s time for dinner, or a treat, or a belly rub, for example—he lets me know. As far as I can tell, he never goes off and gripes about me to the neighborhood dogs. He just asks directly for what he needs, and it’s quite effective. That doesn’t mean he gets everything he wants, but it does mean that I don’t have to try to read his mind, which is really helpful since I never enrolled in ESP 101.

In between our conversations, Chief finds joy in the small things. Is it time to get the cup of dry kibble he gets fed at every meal? Fantastic! Is he going along for a car ride? Marvelous! There are a lot of reasons why Chief could complain. His ideal family would have a stay-at-home-mom and eight kids, his schedule would include frequent doggie play dates, and he wouldn’t have been abandoned by previous owners. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, though, he revels in life’s small pleasures.

There’s one last trait Chief has that is truly admirable. He expects the best of people. When we’re out for a walk and encounter strangers, he’s sure he should get to know them. If he’s had a time-out in his crate for some infraction and I come to let him out, he’s delighted to let bygones be bygones. If company comes over, he knows he’s going to like them before they ever make it up the driveway. Barring signs of danger, Chief goes into face-to-face situations focusing on a past catalog of the very best of human behavior.

In 2017, I’d like to try following his tips: listen intently, communicate directly, find joy in the small things, and expect the best of people. Think how much it would help our libraries if every day we brought those behaviors to work with us. Perhaps we could make the year ahead just a little bit better by taking lessons from a dog.

The post Lessons From A Dog first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

To combat that drawback, I’ve added leadership-specific resources to my Twitter and RSS feeds. At times the gap between a for-profit business and the library is apparent, but more often the topics and advice are spot on. I’ve been excited to learn something new, inspired to reconsider my perspective, motivated to try a new approach, or simply encouraged by another leader’s shared vulnerability.  If you’d like a list of leadership experts to follow, start here.

One of my go-to resources is Tanveer Naseer’s blog. Naseer is an author, leadership coach, and keynote speaker. I’ve always found the entries to be thought-provoking and well-written even when they are created by guest bloggers.  They are meaty, as well, often running two to three times as long as many blog posts do. The length allows for a more in-depth look at the topic and it’s not uncommon for posts to include references to books, methodologies, or field research.

One of the aspects of his website I frequently use is the extra material that goes with each blog post. Each is extensively tagged, click on a single word and you can immediately access an entire list of related articles. In addition, at the end of each post the site lists, as links, the full titles of a few related prior posts. If you want to share what you learn about leadership, you’ll appreciate the ready-to-tweet highlights scattered through the posts.

Michael Hyatt’s website is a wholly different experience. If sales pitches or occasional references to faith would bother you, pass this one by.  Hyatt was formerly CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, and his blog is aimed primarily at people in high-pressure jobs. His site’s tagline is “Win at work. Succeed at life.” His tweets, blogs, and podcasts run the gamut, including productivity tips and tools to life hacks. “How a Small Shift in Your Vocabulary Can Instantly Change Your Attitude” is a great example of the latter and a post that I have continued to think about long after I first read it. His posts generally include specific, actionable points.

If you prefer something more philosophical, Seth Godin is all about ideas. He can look at a concept you’ve been around your whole life and take something new from it. His blog tends to focus on creativity, innovation, marketing, and how to do great work; the very short posts are designed to make you reflect.

If none of these are the right fit for you, take a few minutes to track down other leadership gurus worth following. Having a regular dose of leadership inspiration, infused with a few practical tips, helps me focus on how I can get to where I want to be and makes me believe I can get there.

The post Cultivating Your Inner Leader first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Public libraries have responded to societal trends for decades, so it’s no surprise that librarians are serving patrons with dementia. The approaches I uncovered are anything but cookie cutter style, varying in focus as well as in the required resources and expertise.

If you are intrigued by programming options for this audience, consider Memory Cafés. A Café, designed for those with dementia and their caregivers, is a gathering with conversation, games, or entertainment.[2]  The Library Memory Project is a successful, collaborative effort by a group of libraries in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin.[3] Rachel Muchin Young, director of the Franklin Public Library in Wisconsin  spoke of the their cafés, known as the Memory Project, as a common ground where every attendee participates and one doesn’t necessarily know which participants are the caregivers. An advantage to the Café model is that it combats the isolation that can occur for those with dementia and their family members. They are welcomed into a safe space and have the chance to meet others with similar experiences. Memory Project Cafés generally offer conversation and a sensory experience: tables with manipulatives or puzzles followed by a musical performance, an ice cream social, or a visit from Humane Society pets, all with opportunities for verbal sharing.[4]

Programming, of course, takes on many forms and sometimes the library simply serves as a host site for a community partner. That was the case at Lewiston Public Library in Maine. The Maine Alzheimer’s Association trained college students to become volunteer scribes. Then the library hosted an event introducing the opportunity for trained scribes to interview and write the life story of an individual living with dementia.[5]

An alternative to programming is to provide specially designed training for library employees. The Chapel Hill Public Library in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, joined a federally funded county-wide initiative that encouraged local businesses and organizations to earn a dementia-friendly designation.  According to a press release, “The Dementia-Friendly Businesses Campaign will start with 10 local businesses that have pledged to enhance support for people with dementia and their caregivers, and as a result, improve quality of life and promote understanding and respect.”[6]  The campaign provided training for public services staff to help create an atmosphere that is comfortable for those with dementia said Molly Luby, library experiences assistant.[7]

If you want to grow your knowledge, be sure to explore the Alzheimer’s Association’s website. Don’t be afraid to contact their helpline at 1.800.272.3900 for answers to sophisticated questions you might have or connect with one of the 81 local chapters for expert advice on collection or programming projects you’re considering. Your chapter may be open to collaborative work with you as well. For library-focused learning, PLA offers an on-demand webinar that outlines a tech-based programming model:. If you want to broaden your understanding of products appropriate for the audience, one site to check out is the Alzheimer’s Store.

If your library is striving to be more inclusive, consider service options for those with dementia and their caregivers. With a focus on dementia and a dash of compassion, we can better serve an audience truly in need of a safe space.

References

[1] @alzassociation, “Latest Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures,” Latest Facts & Figures Report, 2016, accessed September 13, 2016, http://www.alz.org/facts/.

[2] Http://www.facebook.com/AARP, “Memory Cafés Offer Normalcy to Caregivers and Alzheimer’s Patients,” AARP, accessed September 13, 2016, http://blog.aarp.org/2013/07/17/sally-abrahms-memory-cafes/.

[3] “Lake Country Libraries Memory Project,” Lake Country Libraries Memory Project, accessed September 13, 2016, http://www.librarymemoryproject.org/.

[4] Rachel Muchin Young (Library Director) in telephone interview with the author, September 2016.

[5] By Allowing Students to Record Their Life Story, Those with Dementia Provide Students with Invaluable Lessons about Life with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis., “Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, Volunteer Scribes Program,” Lewiston Public Library Maine RSS, , accessed September 13, 2016, http://lplonline.org/events/alzheimers-association-maine-chapter-volunteer-scribes-program/.

[6] “Welcome to Orange County, NC,” Welcome to Orange County, NC, , accessed September 13, 2016, http://www.orangecountync.gov/news_detail_T4_R419.php.

[7] Molly Luby (Library Experiences Assistant) in telephone interview with the author, September 2016.

The post Memory Care at Your Library first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

In its simplest terms, the concept behind the Experience Economy is that our culture now seeks to spend its money on memorable experiences rather than on services or goods—and we do so in all sorts of venues, not just in the traditional realm of entertainment. An experience can have elements that are entertaining, educational, escapist, or esthetic; the best experiences incorporate all four of the “e” adjectives. It is a business theory at its core, explaining where people choose to spend money and why they make the choices they do.

Libraries aren’t businesses, and money seldom changes hands between library users and the library. This particular societal trend, however, has significant potential to impact libraries. That’s because discretionary spending reflects what people value. Libraries compete for people’s time, attention, and goodwill every day, and we are much more likely to be successful if we understand what society values.

Permanent Experiences

Libraries have created any number of experience-oriented spaces. The Cerritos Library is a well-documented early adopter of the experience ideology, saying the book “served as an inspiration to make the library more interactive and user friendly,”^[3] and “images and exhibits on display as well as sounds emanating from the Rainforest and aquarium areas add to the multi-sensory experience of the visitor.”^[4] Families find a radically different experience at Explore Outdoors, Anythink Libraries’ certified outdoor classroom, a creative space in which young children explore the world around them through activities such as climbing or building. Family Services Director Lynda Freas refers to the classroom as a “library destination.”^[5] In experience economy language, it is an attractive and dedicated space (entertaining) that encourages the development of motor and cognitive skills (educational) and provides materials that support dramatic play (escapist).

One-Time Experiences

For many public libraries, however, a lack of funding or space—or both—can preclude creating permanent, experience-oriented spaces. In that case, one-time events can offer a different sort of experience. A quick Internet search of what libraries are offering comes up with an array of events that invite library users to engage with us on the library “stage.” Nearly any event that features staff or patrons in costume is likely an immersive experience. Library offerings range from life-sized mascots and book character greeters to ComicCon, cosplay, or pop culture tie-ins. Experiences are far more than dress-up, though. Escape Rooms, Murder Mystery Theatres, and props for do-it-yourself photo booths are interactive and memorable as well. Some experiences are worthwhile enough that they can even raise awareness for funds for the library’s Friends group or foundation.

A library-sponsored Downtown Abbey-themed event drew women dressed in period wear. Courtesy of Kokomo-Howard Public Library.

Runners sporting antler headbands and blinking noses at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library’s annual Rudolph Family Fun Run pose for multiple photos of their experience while raising money for the library’s endowment fund. Courtesy of Kokomo Herald.

Evaluating Experiences

The evidence that we have succeeded in creating an experience economy, according to Pine, is that community residents will view spending time at the library as a good investment. They will also begin to feel a sense of belonging.^[6] It’s an excellent purpose for offering carefully crafted customer experiences and a great benchmark for evaluating what we offer our communities.

References

[1] Joseph Pine, “Are We Living in the Experience Economy?” by Blake Morgan, Forbes, July 26, 2016.

[2] Joseph B. Pine and James H. Gilmore, The Experience Economy (Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press, 2011).

[3] “About the Library Today,” Cerritos Public Library, September 2, 2009.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Lynda Freas, “Explore Outdoors at Anythink Wright Farms Certified by Nature Explore,” Anythink Libraries, March 18, 2013.

[6] Blake Morgan, “Are We Living in the Experience Economy?”

The post Investing in Your Library’s Experience Economy first appeared on Public Libraries Online.