Discovering Opportunities in Difficult Times - ABQLA
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Transcript of Discovering Opportunities in Difficult Times - ABQLA
May 8, 2010Quebec Library Association 78th Annual Conference
presented byPamela MacKellar
Discovering Opportunities
in Difficult Times
Welcome
Removing Barriers
Chapter 14
A funny thing happened as I was writing this book …
How we see things determines what
actions we take … including how we
respond in difficult circumstances.
This I Know for Sure
Part 1
A Closer Look at Obstacles
Budgets have been cut Hours decreased, positions
eliminated Libraries closing Not enough staff Not enough time Not enough money We already have too much work to
do
Some Common Obstacles for Librarians#1: The Economy
data from Library Journal’s Annual Budget Survey
We are just a small library in a little village
We are disadvantaged and underprivileged
We can’t improve on the services we offer
Self-perception
I’m not sticking my neck out for a new idea
We don’t like taking risks
Failure is not an option
We don’t know where to start
Fear
We’ve always managed just fine
Now is not a good time for new ideas
It will never happen
It’s not my job
Maybe some other time
Resistance to Change
My director/mayor/administrator is not interested
There is too much bureaucracy here to get that done
Our computers/network/software are too old
We already tried that and it didn’t work
Diversionary
What Obstacles Are You Facing?
OBSTACLESare
NEGATIVE THINKING PATTERNSthat result from internal or externalevents, factors or circumstances
EventCircumstanceFactor
CHOICE
Positive Thinking
Negative Thinking
Part 2
How You Can TurnObstacles into Opportunities
FirstBecome Aware
andObserve Your Thinking
Process
Learned Optimism Test - Dr. Martin Seligman Optimism/Pessimism Test - Human Mind
Project Spirituality & Health Optimism Test Optimism/Pessimism Test - Psychology
Today Positivity Test and Optimism Test -
Happier.com University of Pennsylvania Positive
Psychology Center Authentic Happiness Website
Links at www.accidentallibrarian.com/Resources
Take a Self-Test
Adjust Your ThinkingChange What You Say to Yourself
“You and I are infinite choice-makers” Deepak Chopra
Natural defenses sometimes kick inbefore we have a chance to think
Be Less Reactive and More Responsive
Eliminate these words Replace them withthese words
We can’t We canI don’t think I knowWe don’t have enough ___
We will make enough ____
I’m afraid of I’m confidentIf I willDoubt Expect the bestIt’s impossible All things are possible
Watch Your Language
Give what you are doing your full attention
Complete one task before going on to the next
Do One Thing at a Time
Know where you are going and what you are doing
Update Your Personal Mission Statement
“After my house burned down, I saw the moon more clearly.”Old Zen saying
Cultivate the Optimism HabitNotice What is Right
7 Preparedness Strategies
Part 3
1. Have a Strategic Plan in Place
This is a navigational tool that will guide you in difficult times
2. Focus on Your Goals
Let them guide you in everything you do.
3. Know Your Community
4. Partner and Collaborate
Businesses
Agencies, non-profits, organizations, clubs
Schools
Other departments in your organization
Other libraries
Museums
5. Follow Library Funding Trends
6. Stay Informed
• Subscribe to Library Grants Blog RSS feed• Sign up for grants alerts• Subscribe to online newsletters• Subscribe to librarian’s discussion lists
7. Keep LearningLearn New Skills
commoncrafthttp://www.commoncraft.com/
Learn About New Trends
SirsiDynixhttp://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/archive.php
Learn about Library Technology
TechSoup for Librarieshttp://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/events
Learn about Grants
Foundation Centerhttp://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/training/webinars/
Learn New Ways
Long Shotshttp://www.librarybeat.org/longshots
“If you think you can – or if you think you can’t … you’re
right.”Henry Ford
Thank [email protected]
www.accidentallibrarian.com/Resources