July 27, 2006
Last Day of the COSLA Leadership Institute
Jane gave a wonderful talk this morning about the future of state libraries and it created a wonderful conversation before lunch. We also watched a great speaker on the internet about identity 2.0 - you can see the speaker here. ...and here's the blog for Identity 2.0. The video is about 15 minutes but i highly recommend that you watch it and then discuss the impacts on libraries, library patron profiles, making patron booklists available, and other items and issues that relate to patron confidentiality - does it really matter anymore? Should we tell patrons to just create a librarything account so they can keep up with what they've read on their own since our catalogs don't do that for us? What are the issues surrounding this? Discuss!
July 26, 2006
library school library
we also had a tour of the UWM library school's library - what a huge collection! and a friendly GA :-)
cooperative children's book center - university of wisconsin, madison
we had a brief tour of the center today - it is a great resource!
Case Study #6 - AZ state library State Grants-in-Aid
Ok, this is the last case study of the institute :-)
The panel brought forth the issues - one of which is that the state librarian reports to the legislature and is still the only state where this occurs. Through the process, AZ was able to double its state grants-in-aid funding from 1999 to 2000 by using the legislative interest and support for charter and home schooling. The various partnerships with cultural groups such as the humanities council, museum groups, the friends of libraries/museums and the state library association helped to make it all possible. The question ended up really being what do the legislators really care about? The big issue was the number of charter schools which ended up being the argument for the increase in library funding because of there being so many funded charter schools in AZ. There were then some reports of successful budget requests.
The panel brought forth the issues - one of which is that the state librarian reports to the legislature and is still the only state where this occurs. Through the process, AZ was able to double its state grants-in-aid funding from 1999 to 2000 by using the legislative interest and support for charter and home schooling. The various partnerships with cultural groups such as the humanities council, museum groups, the friends of libraries/museums and the state library association helped to make it all possible. The question ended up really being what do the legislators really care about? The big issue was the number of charter schools which ended up being the argument for the increase in library funding because of there being so many funded charter schools in AZ. There were then some reports of successful budget requests.
Panel of State Librarians on Best practices/Survival Skills
Ok, it's day 4 after lunch of the COSLA State Library Leadership Institute:
Mary Chute, former state librarian from Deleware and current IMLS Deputy Director for Libraries, talked about the wonderful support from her colleagues in COSLA. She discussed the various lessons she has learned over the years in public and state library work.
Jim Nelson, KY State Librarian talked about Leadership and Communication and the importance of knowing the right people to learn from. He mentioned that if you don't like politics, then don't get in this business [of being a state librarian].
Gary Nichols, Maine State Librarian, talked about the advice he received over the 37 years he's been working in libraries. He reiterated that if you're shy about politics, then a state agency is not the place to be. He also talked about the importance of finding a mentor.
Peggy Rudd, TX State Librarian, talked about the challenge she had with trying to retain governor documents. She mentioned that she has already visited 300 TX public libraries and still has about 200+ to go to share her own message instead of letting someone else do it for her... It is best to share your own word than someone else. She also talked about the importance of confronting conflict.
Mary Chute, former state librarian from Deleware and current IMLS Deputy Director for Libraries, talked about the wonderful support from her colleagues in COSLA. She discussed the various lessons she has learned over the years in public and state library work.
Jim Nelson, KY State Librarian talked about Leadership and Communication and the importance of knowing the right people to learn from. He mentioned that if you don't like politics, then don't get in this business [of being a state librarian].
Gary Nichols, Maine State Librarian, talked about the advice he received over the 37 years he's been working in libraries. He reiterated that if you're shy about politics, then a state agency is not the place to be. He also talked about the importance of finding a mentor.
Peggy Rudd, TX State Librarian, talked about the challenge she had with trying to retain governor documents. She mentioned that she has already visited 300 TX public libraries and still has about 200+ to go to share her own message instead of letting someone else do it for her... It is best to share your own word than someone else. She also talked about the importance of confronting conflict.
Case Study #5 - PINES/Evergreen
The problem: The State of GA has mandated that GA's public libraries should explore the creation of a statewide library card.
Georgia PINES.
They mentioned the problems with working with SIRSI and why they moved to an in-house system which is what PINES now uses. 60% of the GA libraries are involved in the program.
What is all boils down to is that the patrons do NOT care about county boundaries - they just want the materials. Librarians tend to be the only people who DO care about their OWN library system and for the most part, not wanting to collaborate and partner with other libraries. in my personal opinion, this is an antithetical thought process to the free and available materials/information philosophy of libraries. Why do libraries want to still maintain these kinds of boundaries which are not beneficial to their patrons? Librarians, GET OVER IT! Try to play well with others so patrons can get what they need as easily as possible... Search more about statewide library resource sharing on google...
Georgia PINES.
They mentioned the problems with working with SIRSI and why they moved to an in-house system which is what PINES now uses. 60% of the GA libraries are involved in the program.
What is all boils down to is that the patrons do NOT care about county boundaries - they just want the materials. Librarians tend to be the only people who DO care about their OWN library system and for the most part, not wanting to collaborate and partner with other libraries. in my personal opinion, this is an antithetical thought process to the free and available materials/information philosophy of libraries. Why do libraries want to still maintain these kinds of boundaries which are not beneficial to their patrons? Librarians, GET OVER IT! Try to play well with others so patrons can get what they need as easily as possible... Search more about statewide library resource sharing on google...
Panel on Collaboration and Coalition Building - Day 4 of the COSLA Leadership Institute
Pat Smith, Executive Director of the TX Library Association spoke about linking library standards to state aid. She addressed the characteristics of partners. They have begun to institute some new state aid processes and they are thinking about recognizing public libraries that have been successful in their requirements much like high ranking schools are. You have to have access to a creative pool of collaborators to get the most out of the process of collaboration.
George Needham, VP Membership Services OCLC and former Michigan State Librarian spoke about a collaboration in Michigan to use a large about of LSTA $$ to create a central and simple automated method to reduce paperwork at the local level for a statewide "Access Michigan" electronic service. At the time, it was separate from MeL. Now, it is a part of MeL. He mentioned the book, The Change Function.
Ellsworth Brown, Director of the WI Historical Society, spoke to us about the society itself as well as their 'way of doing business' which is based mostly upon collaboration with many partners to be able to pull together historical information and provide services systemically.
Gladys Ann Wells, AZ State Library and Archives Director spoke to us about the uphill battle she faced initially as a state library director collaborating with state government. She talked about how she works with legislators and that it's important to know the ones you have to go to individually to make collaborations happen well. I really liked one quote she said, "Be ready to allow serendipity." Another important thing she said was, "By the very act of collaboration, you're not in charge."
George Needham, VP Membership Services OCLC and former Michigan State Librarian spoke about a collaboration in Michigan to use a large about of LSTA $$ to create a central and simple automated method to reduce paperwork at the local level for a statewide "Access Michigan" electronic service. At the time, it was separate from MeL. Now, it is a part of MeL. He mentioned the book, The Change Function.
Ellsworth Brown, Director of the WI Historical Society, spoke to us about the society itself as well as their 'way of doing business' which is based mostly upon collaboration with many partners to be able to pull together historical information and provide services systemically.
Gladys Ann Wells, AZ State Library and Archives Director spoke to us about the uphill battle she faced initially as a state library director collaborating with state government. She talked about how she works with legislators and that it's important to know the ones you have to go to individually to make collaborations happen well. I really liked one quote she said, "Be ready to allow serendipity." Another important thing she said was, "By the very act of collaboration, you're not in charge."
July 25, 2006
crisis communication dos
we got a nice list by Dave Baum who is the media trainer to presidents of ALA... some very good tips!
politicians are people too
hmmm, until today, I never really knew this - some of the politicians who addressed us from the panel really did seem like people ;-)
getting ready for an interview
this is a great idea for the back of a business card! dave baum, media training group who trains ALA presidents gave us all this! neat!
Case Study #4 - It was a dark and stormy night - a saga of the transfer of gubernatorial papers.
Group 4 presented on the issues with regard to the papers/public records and what the statutes said. This was an actual case in VA regarding what "public records" are. They mentioned that a blue ribbon committee could work to get the situation solved so that archiving the governor's records would be properly archived. For libraries, this is a huge challenge on what is addressed on the level of preservation and archiving of public records. It was suggested that in this case, the governor should have taken a position to model the behaviour on the importance of preserving public records and could be done by executive order or some formal process. Winchester Star article.
David Baum - Media Training Group
David spoke to us about successfully working with the media. His business card is great because it has all the tips you need for getting ready for an interview. (see my flickr photo of his business card). David is the media consultant who works with ALA presidents. David's Bio. in doing business with the media, you need to do story telling - tell the story of what you're trying to convey. Put a face on what you say. Never immediately react to a reporter on the phone - ask them for their deadline and when you can get back in touch with them. A reporter's job is to create a balanced story and let the reader make up their own mind - the reporter is not, however, objective. Don't answer reporter questions linearly - communicate with them. Answer the question at hand.
Case Study #3 Herding Cats while Building Castles - A Case for Advocacy and Collaboration
This group used a brief video on herding cats to introduce the topic. Hooray! Visual representation of the issue!
They reviewed the collaborators of statelibrary. college medical program, school tech training site, area dev. district economic programs, science and technology telecommuting demo site, and the main county library. What are all of the financial, legal, and managerial issues involved?
Assumptions:
Communication to date has been accurately stated
the State Librarian can direct construction funds to the project
It is a good idea for the area
It is a good idea for the partners
Needs to get to the point:
Gather the data
Clearly defined roles for the state library
Communication to all partners for permissions
strategies outlined
Strategies:
Planning process defined
Steering committee, focus groups
Clearly define whoe gets what
Clearly define who is in charge
Ongoing collaboration
Collaboration factors:
environment
membership characteristics
process and structure
communication
purpose
resources
Discussion:
There was much discussion about the levels of participation of all partners. The project could in fact go forward but it may be that all the partners not participating in the end. There should have been more communication with the library staff from the get go. A key piece is what's the glue that holds all of this collaboration together? Book: The Answer to How is Yes, by Peter Block.
They reviewed the collaborators of statelibrary. college medical program, school tech training site, area dev. district economic programs, science and technology telecommuting demo site, and the main county library. What are all of the financial, legal, and managerial issues involved?
Assumptions:
Communication to date has been accurately stated
the State Librarian can direct construction funds to the project
It is a good idea for the area
It is a good idea for the partners
Needs to get to the point:
Gather the data
Clearly defined roles for the state library
Communication to all partners for permissions
strategies outlined
Strategies:
Planning process defined
Steering committee, focus groups
Clearly define whoe gets what
Clearly define who is in charge
Ongoing collaboration
Collaboration factors:
environment
membership characteristics
process and structure
communication
purpose
resources
Discussion:
There was much discussion about the levels of participation of all partners. The project could in fact go forward but it may be that all the partners not participating in the end. There should have been more communication with the library staff from the get go. A key piece is what's the glue that holds all of this collaboration together? Book: The Answer to How is Yes, by Peter Block.
Day three COSLA Leadership Institute
This morning started with an all white male panel presentation on the legislative process. We heard from Michael Saxl, former speaker of the house from Maine. He talked about how to cultivate champions for libraries. http://www.verrilldana.com/AttorneyView.aspx?Id=77. He mentioned grassroots and grasstops. He mentioned that as part of a revitalization of towns, that libraries need to be made the community center and highlight of the town. Always try to get third party validation of what you're trying to do in writing. Give hard hat tours of old buildings in need of repair to get the point across. Make sure you have real testimonials from mreal people.
Anthony Driessen, a lobbyist, talked about contituent groups. http://www.quarles.com/Attorneys/Detail.aspx?attorney=178. He made the point of saying that if you don't like politics or politicians, they will sense it... he mentioned doing an asset inventory so you know who is on your side.
Mark Pocan, WI State Representative, spoke about face to face, personal letter, personal call, email communication. He said that you shouldn't assume a "yes" nod means anything when you're talking to a legislator. Also, knowing the staff is important.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/assembly/asm78/asm78.html.
Glenn Miller of the Pennsylvania Library Association spoke about advocacy. http://www.palibraries.org/about/. The four factors he discussed were: Merits of the issue, money, political implications, and personal relationships.
Richard Grobschmidt, chair of the WI division of libraries, moderated the panel and briefly discussed how to balance the issues of libraries within the policial realm. http://www.cosla.org/profiles/stateinfo.cfm?StateIndex=27.
Anthony Driessen, a lobbyist, talked about contituent groups. http://www.quarles.com/Attorneys/Detail.aspx?attorney=178. He made the point of saying that if you don't like politics or politicians, they will sense it... he mentioned doing an asset inventory so you know who is on your side.
Mark Pocan, WI State Representative, spoke about face to face, personal letter, personal call, email communication. He said that you shouldn't assume a "yes" nod means anything when you're talking to a legislator. Also, knowing the staff is important.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/assembly/asm78/asm78.html.
Glenn Miller of the Pennsylvania Library Association spoke about advocacy. http://www.palibraries.org/about/. The four factors he discussed were: Merits of the issue, money, political implications, and personal relationships.
Richard Grobschmidt, chair of the WI division of libraries, moderated the panel and briefly discussed how to balance the issues of libraries within the policial realm. http://www.cosla.org/profiles/stateinfo.cfm?StateIndex=27.
July 24, 2006
madison public library
well, while out for a walk tonight, i had to swing by the local public library... looked to be quite busy for around 7pm...nice URL banner out front!
land's end
ok, so librarians have a difficult time staying away from a sale, and when it is an outlet 50% off sale, many of us just couldn't resist! I have no idea how i'm going to get all the stuff I bought back to Columbia!
Dennis Dresang
Dennis spoke to us about politics and the growth of state governments - we had a very interesting conversation about state libraries and governmental interaction at the federal, state, and local levels which worked into the case study #2 discussion. Interesting stuff!
Second Case Study "Privatizing a Public Library" - COSLA Leadership Institute
The Facts:
public library is in an area where the population is growing
little support for the library
30 year library directo who has not solved all the problems
library funding has not improved
board issues RFP on managing the library
state law is that library functions cannot be privatized and still be called a public library
legality of board is questioned
The Library Director:
doesn't seem to be a bad guy or bad director
is aware of the need of library funding
was successful in getting renovation funds
got $2 mil in automation grant funding
personnel budget has increased
doesn't get along with the mayor and other county officials
resignation is sibmitted to the board but it's not accepted
Is the director really doing a good job?
The Library Board:
the board paid a lot of money for someone else to do their strategic planning
have they followed procurement codes?
did the board come up with the RFP solution on their own or did this come from the consultant?
there are issues about how the board operates and are their concerns really for the library?
The State Library:
see what position they took in a similar situation
is there a precedent that we have to follow
should they interfere in the process of an RFP?
what is the true definition of administering the library?
no public comment was offered on the RFP - if the process was not legal, how should the state library act?
ID a neutral party to facilitate and help develop a solution
Wrap-up:
What is the policy and intent of the State Library?
Does the State Library want to help the population?
The central question is:
How private does a library have to be before it's not public anymore?
public library is in an area where the population is growing
little support for the library
30 year library directo who has not solved all the problems
library funding has not improved
board issues RFP on managing the library
state law is that library functions cannot be privatized and still be called a public library
legality of board is questioned
The Library Director:
doesn't seem to be a bad guy or bad director
is aware of the need of library funding
was successful in getting renovation funds
got $2 mil in automation grant funding
personnel budget has increased
doesn't get along with the mayor and other county officials
resignation is sibmitted to the board but it's not accepted
Is the director really doing a good job?
The Library Board:
the board paid a lot of money for someone else to do their strategic planning
have they followed procurement codes?
did the board come up with the RFP solution on their own or did this come from the consultant?
there are issues about how the board operates and are their concerns really for the library?
The State Library:
see what position they took in a similar situation
is there a precedent that we have to follow
should they interfere in the process of an RFP?
what is the true definition of administering the library?
no public comment was offered on the RFP - if the process was not legal, how should the state library act?
ID a neutral party to facilitate and help develop a solution
Wrap-up:
What is the policy and intent of the State Library?
Does the State Library want to help the population?
The central question is:
How private does a library have to be before it's not public anymore?
Day two of the COSLA Leadership Institute
This morning, after a filling breakfast (these people know how to eat!) we settled in at the Pyle Center and heard a brief history of the first 100 years of State Libraries by Barratt Wilkins who read his paper on the topic. We then had our first case study "Whose team are you On?" which was my group... This process was very interesting and it was about a state librarian cought between a rock and a hard place, the politics involved, and issues. After a great lunch, we heard from Dennis Dresang, Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs, Director of the Center on State Local, and Tribal Governance in the school of Public Affairs. He gave us a nice overview of the growth of state governments, the capacities of state governments, and the trends. I learned a lot about how states fit in with federal mandates. It was interesting to learn that state individual tax came about in 1913. It was interesting to see which states ranged from heavily democratic to heavily republican.
http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/facultystaff/dresang-dennis.html
He also raised some interesting questions about today's political party system being the most strongly two party specific than it has been than in the past. He said that overall, the current form of state government are not as democratic as they used to be. Unfortunately he had to end on the pessimistic note because of all of the problems faced in today's society... There was a lot of discussion at the end of his presentation about the future of politics... My personal opinion is that if politicians thrive on just the power thing, then scientists should isolate the power gene and begin disabling it in all humans. Political power sucks.
http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/facultystaff/dresang-dennis.html
He also raised some interesting questions about today's political party system being the most strongly two party specific than it has been than in the past. He said that overall, the current form of state government are not as democratic as they used to be. Unfortunately he had to end on the pessimistic note because of all of the problems faced in today's society... There was a lot of discussion at the end of his presentation about the future of politics... My personal opinion is that if politicians thrive on just the power thing, then scientists should isolate the power gene and begin disabling it in all humans. Political power sucks.
July 23, 2006
waiting...
Felicia and I were waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the flight from Chicago to Madison...
Wisconsin Statehouse
Here's a shot from my first day in Madison - nice city so far! Went down to the lake this morning and it was beautiful :-) Just getting ready to start the COSLA state library leadership institute...
1st session at the COSLA State Library Leadership Institute
We are all meeting in the Pyle Center at the Univ of WI at Madison. Gary Nichols, COSLA President, welcomed the group and talked a little bit about state library leadership and how during this institute we can hone these skills to move libraries forward. Louise Robbins, Director of the Library School also provided a welcome and talked briefly about library leadership. Jane Pearlmutter, Associate Director of the Library School provided some logistics and then we went around and introduced ourselves. The Idaho State Library has recently become the Idaho Commission on Libraries and they have given away their collection to libraries in the state. http://www.lili.org/isl/about.htm
Betsey Bayless, CEO of the Maricopa Intedgrated Health Systems and Arizona's 17th Secretary of State spoke about Leadership in State Government. http://www.mihs.org/newsevents/080405.html
She mentioned that famous quote: Information is the Currency of Democracy, Thomas Jefferson. She mentioned the importance of chronicling the history of states through libraries and archives. She talked about building 'champions' for the library to advocate and support libraries in the future. Let them know what you need, building community stakeholders, and coalitions through education of the importance of libraries. She said that it is important to promote what you do - let politicians know who you are and what you do. She talked about the first time she heard the phrase "Information Superhighway" and the complete revolution in the way information is presented, how it is stored and how information is accessed. She did talk about how important it is for libraries to be integrated in the all new technologies. She said that groups such as this are important for us to have to have an opportnity to learn from one another on common problems and issues. One interesting thing she talked about was the "pwer of personality" - communication is the most important thing when making big and important changes.
Betsey Bayless, CEO of the Maricopa Intedgrated Health Systems and Arizona's 17th Secretary of State spoke about Leadership in State Government. http://www.mihs.org/newsevents/080405.html
She mentioned that famous quote: Information is the Currency of Democracy, Thomas Jefferson. She mentioned the importance of chronicling the history of states through libraries and archives. She talked about building 'champions' for the library to advocate and support libraries in the future. Let them know what you need, building community stakeholders, and coalitions through education of the importance of libraries. She said that it is important to promote what you do - let politicians know who you are and what you do. She talked about the first time she heard the phrase "Information Superhighway" and the complete revolution in the way information is presented, how it is stored and how information is accessed. She did talk about how important it is for libraries to be integrated in the all new technologies. She said that groups such as this are important for us to have to have an opportnity to learn from one another on common problems and issues. One interesting thing she talked about was the "pwer of personality" - communication is the most important thing when making big and important changes.
July 21, 2006
OPAL Online
OPAL is wonderful and I've been using it since about November - your library should get in and explore what is available! It's such a great resource for online programming events and staff development and training!
July 20, 2006
July 18, 2006
Technology Forum
Today the SC Partnership for Distance Education hosted the 2nd annual Technology Forum. Lots of great information was shared - check out the photos!
July 15, 2006
Caroline's New Honda Fit
Caroline finally got her new Fit! Can't wait to take a ride in it! You go girl!
July 14, 2006
LISTA database Free to all Interested in Libraries and Librarianship
LISTA database Free to all Interested in Libraries and Librarianship
Originally uploaded by crr29061.
myspace errors
Ever since I've set up a MySpace account to explore what it's all about, it seems like I get nothing but errors! If this is the most popular site on the net, they need to get their act together - so far, I'm not at all impressed... So many ads to distract... please remind me, what is it that's so great about MySpace???
July 13, 2006
Patti in the CTR
This is SC's State Library Director, Patti Butcher. We were in our computer training room videoconferencing with the NE Kansas Library System about statewide resource sharing.
viewing the videoconference
We did a really neat thing today and used our Polycom to videoconference with NEKLS librarians about statewide resource sharing. Also it was to demo this technology for us to use in SC with libraries for meetings and training and more!
July 10, 2006
July 09, 2006
red faucet
I really like the colors, tones, and light and shadow in this shot! I took this in the outside shower at Folly Beach, SC.
July 06, 2006
public library wifi
it's always nice to see when another library branch offers free wifi access! congrats to RCPL!!!
July 04, 2006
geraneum
i got a nice shot of this geraneum today at our friend's house - used my macro setting and manual exposure.
July 03, 2006
workspace
This is where it all happens! :-) PC, Axim, telephone, digital camera, phone headset, PC headset, printer - what more could you ask for? Oh, a Mac! :-)
enjoying lunch
Everyone who had lunch today had a nice time! these are some of the SC State Library staff members enjoying lunch - I'm stuffed!
July 02, 2006
Mini Driver Documentary
Ok, so if Mini Driver ever starred in a documentary about how she liked to drive her Mini, it would be titled, "Mini Driver, Mini Driver".
July 01, 2006
union county library
click on the photo to read the comments on this photo in my flickr account... interesting!
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