Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Leadership and Management

2009 NYSLAA Conference Report
Submitted by: Heidi Jensen, PLSHQ

Leadership and Management Skills

Presented by: Evelyn Butrico


Ms Butrico is the Director of the East Greenbush Community Library in East Greenbush, New York. For several years, Ms. Butrico served as Program Development Librarian for NyLink.

In this workshop we discussed what is a Leader and what is a Manager. Are they the same thing or are they different?

At the moment there are 4 different types of workers.

Traditionalist (born pre-1946)
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)
Gen Xer’s (born 1965- 1977)
Generation Y (born 1978 – 1989)


Baby boomers make up for 41.5% of the work force, followed by Gen Xer’s at 29.5%, Generation Y at 22% and last, Traditionalist at 7%.

Each group views work ethics a little differently. Most of us have a lot of one type of work ethic in us but we can also have a little bit of a different type as well. This is usually because of our up bringing. Parents and Grandparents influence our view on work ethics.

So- What makes a good leader?
• Leaders are someone who can see the big picture.
• They should have integrity.
• Leaders must be trustworthy before others will follow them and they must also be able to admit when they make a mistake.
• Leaders can convey their ideas to diverse individuals and then adjust their style to meet the needs.
• Leaders are people who stir the pot, they like to try new things and take a risk!
• Leaders create productive teams that draw the best from the people they work with.
• They don’t let their ego get in the way.
Degrees DON’T automatically make you a good leader.

How do you make a good leader?
• Develop a vision.
• Befriend other leaders.
• Read new and classic business books and great leaders bio’s.
• Formulate a mission statement for your department or library.
• Seek feedback from others
• Be open to your mistakes.
• Improve your communication skills.
• Stop talking – start listening.
• Restate important points in several ways.

A few tips to help accomplish your goal of being a good leader are:

1. Keep a journal of critical incidents. Look back and learn what you did well and what you might have done better.
2. Don’t expect perfection. No one wins ALL the time. Good leaders grow by making mistakes.
3. Wise leaders look for support staff or partners who complement their weaknesses.
4. Remember – two different streets can get you to the same place. Respect other people’s way of travel.
5. Motivate people - but remember, the same reward doesn’t work for everyone – find out what works for the people you are working with.



Is a supervisor / manager the same thing as a leader? Do they require the same set of skills and knowledge? Do all managers have leadership qualities or do all leaders have to be a supervisor / manager?

An important thing to remember is that a degree doesn’t make a manager / supervisor. It’s a learned skill and/or it’s your own personality.

Managers / supervisors are not always in that position because they WANT to be. It might be something they ended up with because of their length of time at their job. This makes it a very difficult situation for everyone. Please keep this perspective when you are having a difficult time with your manager / supervisor.

There doesn’t seem to be a type of Leadership style however, there does seem to be different styles for managers. They are – Autocratic, Democratic and Hands off.


One last thing to consider –

Please read below Bill Gates' tips for a good manager. You don’t have to like Microsoft to agree that Bill Gates has built a huge company. There is something to be said about his management and leadership skills.





Bill Gates' tips for a good manager
There isn’t a magic formula for good management, of course, but if you’re a manager, perhaps these tips will help you be more effective:
1. Choose a field thoughtfully. Make it one you enjoy. It’s hard to be productive without enthusiasm. This is true whether you’re a manager or employee;
2. Hire carefully and be willing to fire. You need a strong team, because a mediocre team gives mediocre results, no matter how well managed it is. One mistake is holding on to somebody who doesn’t measure up. It’s easy to keep this person on the job because he’s not terrible at what he does. But a good manager will replace him or move him to where he can succeed unambiguously;
3. Create a productive environment. This is a particular challenge because it requires different approaches depending on the context. Sometimes you maximise productivity by giving everybody his or her own office. Sometimes you achieve it by moving everybody into open space. Sometimes you use financial incentives to stimulate productivity. A combination of approaches is usually required. One element that almost always increases productivity is providing an information system that empowers employees.
When I was building Microsoft, I set out to create an environment where software developers could thrive. I wanted a company where engineers liked to work. I wanted to create a culture that encouraged them to work together, share ideas and remain motivated. If I hadn’t been a software engineer myself, there’s no way I could have achieved my goal;
4. Define success. Make it clear to your employees what constitutes success and how they should measure their achievements. Goals must be realistic. Project schedules, for example, must be set by the people who do the work. People will accept a “bottoms-up” deadline they helped set, but they’ll be cynical about a schedule imposed from the top that doesn’t map to reality. Unachievable goals undermine an organisation. At my company, in addition to regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions between managers and employees, we use mass gatherings periodically and E-mail routinely to communicate what we expect from employees. If a reviewer or customer chooses another company’s product, we analyse the situation. We say to our people, “The next time around we’ve got to win. What’s needed?” The answers to these questions help us define success;
5. To be a good manager, you have to like people and be good at communicating. This is hard to fake. If you don’t enjoy interacting with people, it’ll be hard to manage them well. You must have a wide range of personal contacts within your organisation. You need relationships – not necessarily personal friendships – with a fair number of people, including your own employees. You must encourage these people to tell you what’s going on and give you feedback about what people are thinking about the company and your role in it;
6. Develop your people to do their jobs better than you can. Transfer your skills to them. This is an exciting goal, but it can be threatening to a manager who worries that he’s training his replacement. If you’re concerned, ask your boss: “If I develop somebody who can do my job super well, does the company have some other challenge for me or not?” Many smart managers like to see their employees increase their responsibilities because it frees the managers to tackle new or undone tasks. There’s no shortage of jobs for good managers. The world has an infinite amount of work to be done;
7. Build morale. Make it clear there’s plenty of goodwill to go around and that it’s not just you or some hotshot manager who’s going to look good if things go well. Give people a sense of the importance of what they’re working on – its importance to the company, its importance to customers;
8. Take on projects yourself. You need to do more than communicate. The last thing people want is a boss who just doles out stuff. From time to time, prove you can be hands-on by taking on one of the less attractive tasks and using it as an example of how your employees should meet challenges;
9. Don’t make the same decision twice. Spend the time and thought to make a solid decision the first time so that you don’t revisit the issue unnecessarily. If you’re too willing to reopen issues, it interferes not only with your execution but also with your motivation to make a decision in the first place. People hate indecisive leadership; However, that doesn’t mean you have to decide everything the moment it comes to your attention. Nor that you can’t ever reconsider a decision.
10. Let people know whom to please. Maybe it’s you, maybe it’s your boss, and maybe it’s somebody who works for you. You’re in trouble and risking paralysis in your organisation when employees start saying to themselves: “Am I supposed to be making this person happy or this other person happy? They seem to have different priorities.”
I don’t pretend that these are the only 10 approaches a manager should keep in mind. There are lots of others. Just a month ago I encouraged leaders to demand bad news before good news from their employees. But these 10 ideas may help you manage well, and I hope they do.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Changes in delivery

As of July 1, the RRLC delivery courier service will no longer make a stop at Hobart & William Smith Colleges or at the RRLC office. Please do not put any items into the delivery for either of these two locations after this Friday, June 26.

If you submit ILL requests directly to HWS -- HWS has agreed to mail the items to the PLS requesting library. At this time returns can be sent to PLS HQ and we will coordinate with a PLS staff member to return them to HWS. Currently the volume of materials loaned from HWS is quite low to member libraries -- if the volume significantly increases we will have to explore other options for returns.

Materials being sent for RRLC staff will now have to mailed from your library to RRLC.
Items coming to the RRLC office should be sent by US Mail to:

Rochester Regional Library Council
390 Packett's Landing
Fairport, NY 14450

We will continue to have RRLC delivery for the Rochester academic libraries, FLCC and MCLS.
BOCES 1, Boces 2, GVBOCES, and Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES delivery will resume in the fall when schools are back in session.

Thank you.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

NYSLAA conference report by Nicki

~ 2009 NYSLAA Conference Report ~

Submitted by- Nicki Haupt, Williamson Public library

The 31st NYSLAA conference in Troy was a monumental success. Not only was there a terrific selection of workshops providing attendees with many opportunities for professional growth but we were enabled to network effectively in a relaxed environment allowing much positive interaction.

All of the workshops I attended were outstanding, but of those, Web Trends in Libraries with Geoff Kirkpatrick had the most impact on me; especially now with concept 24/7 ref. desk rapidly approaching (good luck GPL!).

Geoff promoted the concept of blogging and gave us examples of great library blogspots. User friendly, middle of the road web design is crucial. He reminded us that only 1% of patrons use blogspots to search for specific library materials; most patrons know to go to other sources (Pugh info study). Effective blogspots should be updated weekly highlighting specific programs, an easy to use calendar, program photos, or by directing patrons to Youtube library activities. Patrons want the ability to communicate among themselves, whether it is to critique or recommend library materials (ie: “Yes I read…. and I agree with you. Have you read…? I think the author has really nailed it on this one!”). Interactivity empowers patrons to sell our materials for us and increase our circ. Many libraries are now using interactive websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr, to name a few, to “hook” those patrons who won’t use the library’s blogspot.

We were also encouraged to add patron comment sheets on circulating materials. Many libraries do this now and have noticed that this increases circ. This may be low tech but, not all patrons use the internet.

Patrons want interactivity. Widgets for live chat on our catalogs, webcams or texting patrons are in store for libraries the very near future. We need to stay connected to users to keep them coming back. And when that disgruntled patron who can’t renew his material with 6 holds sees your face via webcam, remember to smile!

Monday, June 22, 2009

NYSLAA conference report by Lidia

~2009 NYSLAA Conference Report ~
Submitted by :
Lidia Grzegorek
Ontario Public Library


That was my first experience with NYSLAA and I really liked very much. We had a great selection of the courses and I wish I would have a chance to take more. But all the ones I would like to take it were offered unfortunately in the same time.
I liked very much “WEB Trends in the Libraries”, also” Blogs, Wikis, and RSS” They were really very informational. The presenter Geoff Kirkpatrick was very knowledgeable and he captivated the audience. Another good course was “Dealing with Difficult People and Mastering Conflict”. I learned a lot from this course.
“Introduction to Photoshop” was a good program, but it was an upper level course, not really for novices like me. I did not like the set-up of the tables. Some of us were seating back to the presenter and could not follow easily his instructions on the projection screen.
Above all that was a great conference, had a wonderful atmosphere, everybody was so friendly and I will gladly participate in NYSLAA again next year.
Lidia Grzegorek
Ontario Public Library

Glen Iris 5k- 2009

Good morning everyone!

The 2009 Glen Iris 5k will take place this year on Saturday, September 12.
The Glen Iris 5k is a fund raiser for the Castile Public Library.

This is a great way to get in alittle excersise AND help out one of our member libraries.

For more information - please check out -
http://www.castile.pls-net.org/5k.html

I hope to see LOTS of PLS people there this year. :-)

NYSLAA conference

FYI.....
Reports should start to be uploaded later this week

Thanks

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Ray Murray Award Winner

Debby Emerson, Assistant Director of the Rochester Regional Library Council
(RRLC), is the recipient of the 2009 Ray Murray Award. Ms. Emerson has been
an advocate for professional development of library support staff through
her work at RRLC. Donna Hanna, SUNY Geneseo writes: "Debby is an
outstanding advocate for library assistants. She offers invaluable
assistance to us as a member of the RRLC Library Assistants' Committee and I
feel she encompasses every attribute for which the Ray Murray Award is
given."

To read about this and other items of interest to libraries please visit
"What's New" on the RRLC homepage, http://www.rrlc.org.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Wood looking for Walking Ambassador

Wood Library has two "Walking Ambassador" volunteer positions with stipends of $300 each. Great opportunity for people in-between jobs or retirees. The volunteers will help plan and run a 10-week walking, fitness program at Wood Library in Fall 2009. Volunteers will work with a small group of people age 50 and over who want to make exercise and walking part of their lives. The program is part exercise, part education, part inspiration. You don't need to be a fitness expert, just be committed to the notion that exercise is beneficial, be able to inspire others, like working with people, and have presentation and organizational skills. Supervision, training manual and materials provided. The project is funded by FF Thompson Foundation in partnership with Wood Library. For more information, call or email Barbara Henry, Adult Services Librarian at Wood Library: 585-394-1381 or bhenry@pls-net.org

Message from ALA bout volunteering

Last week, I wrote to let you know that the American Library Association is working with the White House, in partnership with the Corporation for National & Community Service, to get libraries involved in a national volunteer initiative that will run from June 22 to September 11, 2009.

By early next week, an announcement will come from the White House asking partners, including libraries, to post their local volunteer opportunities online. Since the initiative will then officially launch on June 22, you’ll want to have any information on volunteer opportunities at your library ready to go in anticipation of this quick turnaround. We recognize that this doesn’t give you much time, but we hope you will consider being a part of this important initiative.

Please visit www.ala.org/summerofservice to find a one page fact sheet on the initiative from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

Volunteer opportunities can be posted right now by visiting www.serve.gov, and I encourage you to do that as soon as you are able.

The ALA will keep you informed as this initiative progresses, and the next time you hear from us will be after President Obama has announced it publicly. The ALA will also be providing tips and resources for volunteer ideas, best practices, and ways to contribute your own information, ideas and stories, all of which you can access at www.ala.org/summerofservice.

Prior to the public launch of the service initiative, the Corporation for National & Community Service is looking for volunteer opportunities that will take place on June 22nd to use as potential examples. If you do have such a volunteer opportunity going on in your library, we encourage you to fill out the form posted at www.ala.org/summerofservice and send it back to library@ala.org no later than June 17.

Thank you so much for all that you do to ensure your community has access to great library services and resources!

Sincerely,

Keith Michael Fiels
Executive Director
American Library Association

Gorham library needs help

The very busy Gorham Free Library is looking for a part-time clerk. Starting wage is $8.50 per hour with flexible hours needed. We are looking for up to 23 hours per week. The job entails regular clerking duties. Please feel free to e-mail me for specifics or call me this afternoon (12-4) or tomorrow afternoon from 12-6 to discuss at 585-526-6655. Diane Hovey

Friday, June 5, 2009

Geneva Public Library hiring

The Geneva Public Library (www.genevapubliclibrary.net) seeks a librarian with a strong interest in working with teens and a passion for reading and young adult literature for a temporary, summer-only, full-time job, which will include running the library's teen summer reading program.

Evening hours are possible immediately with a full-time schedule available in late June or the first of July. The job continues through the end of August. Additional information is available by contacting Mike Nyerges, Director, at 315-789-5303 or mnyerges@pls-net.org. Applicants must submit an Ontario County Department of Human Resources application for this position, the title of which is Librarian I Sub.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Overloaded shelves


From the Cataloging Department at PLS

Our shelves are over full!
We now have 42 library requesting new records, which is awesome but.....we are only two people.
We just wanted to make everyone aware of the cataloging backlog that we currently have at PLS.

We promise to get to your stuff as quick a possible but please remember, it might take awhile.


Thank you for your patience!

Action needed ASAP!

Dear Library Advocate, the Legislature is rushing through a proposal by the Attorney General to consolidate local governments. The legislation, which also includes library districts, passed the Assembly already this week, and the Senate is expected to vote either today or tomorrow.
NYLA believes special legislative district libraries (those created by an act of the Legislature), municipal libraries and potentially school district public libraries are covered by this proposed consolidation legislation.
The bill allows for the elected bodies of governmental entities, or the voters of these entities to initiate process for consolidation. Education Law already allows for the dissolution and consolidation of libraries, and so like school districts, should be exempt from this legislation.
In addition, the bill also allows for county government to initiate consolidation of local governmental entities and put the vote for consolidation to all the voters of the county. This means that the voters of your library district could vote to maintain your library, but the voters throughout the rest of the county could vote to dissolve your library, thereby allowing majorities of voters outside your library coverage area to determine the fate of your library.
This legislation was only introduced at the end of May and has already passed one house of the Legislature and is poised to pass the other this week. NYLA believes more discussion, public hearings and greater scrutiny of the ramifications of this proposal needs to conducted before it becomes law.
I therefore urge you to visit our website at www.nyla.org and click on Contact Your Elected Officials button to send a fax/email to your legislators asking them to exempt library districts from this legislation.

$1,000 award nominations needed

The Friends of the New York State Library and EBSCO Information Services are co-sponsoring this year’s Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award. The $1,000 award will recognize a library or library consortium in New York State that has taken significant steps to improve the quality of library service to its users.

For more information about the Shubert Award and the application form, please go to http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/award/index.html
, or contact Mary Woodward at (518) 473-8362 or via e-mail at mwoodwar@mail.nysed.gov . Applications must be received by June 30th, 2009.