Survive and Thrive as a Library Director: Part 4 (Nov/Dec 2016)
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Transcript of Survive and Thrive as a Library Director: Part 4 (Nov/Dec 2016)
Survive and Thrive: Friends, Vendors, Space and You
Show and Tell
Start with the purpose of your
Friends
Research the charter or articles of incorporation.
Feelings of ownership are great until they overtake the actual owner.
Never be absent from a Friends meeting!
Friends exist to help the library
• So why does it often feel like the opposite??
Best case scenario
1. Strong advocates2. Excitement about services3. Ownership4. Participation
Worst case scenario
1. Begging for funds2. One age group represented3. Exclusivity 4. Lack of fiduciary authority
Action to take
• Know what you want to happen• Start the conversation• Find a facilitator• Make it a win-win outcome
Case study
• The situation• The problem• The solution
Who is a Friend?
• The role of HR
Vendors
Troll the perimeter of the exhibit floor
Ask to speak to the owner
• Find out their focus.• Offer to beta test products
Their contract is written for them, not
youReview carefully and don’t accept their standard contract if it doesn’t meet represent your interests.
You’re the customer and you have power.
Negotiate!!!
Be careful who represents you
• Wrong staff like business agents or tech services can get you the wrong services and contract
• Make it a team approach
The power of space
Glass is your friend, big desks and stationary furniture are the enemy.
The new workplace norm
• Google photo
Ryerson (Ontario)University
Smart children’s space
• Don’t underestimate them like Hallmark does
Teen space—really?
What should/could people be doing?
No graffitiClean bathroomsBook security— ask why??Experiential learning spaces
Staff majority doesn’t rule but they can
participate
• Especially with color selection
What is your brand?
How do you feel when you enter? Anticipatory? Excitement? Serenity?
It’s just a clock, right?
Push for a unique designAny decisions should enforce your brand.
When is it time to leave?
Your position is not a life sentence!
Signs that it’s time
Our bodies, ourselves
Your supporters are gone
You look back and no one is there
Options
• Sabbatical• Another profession• Another position• Retirement
P.S.
• Coping with crying
• And practice, practice, practice
Practice until you can’t get it wrong.
More/over to you
Photos?
Make sure you have one before it’s needed.
An additional phone call?
Thank you!
To paraphrase Hill Street Blues: “Be great out there!”