Author Archives: cbecker53

Why Am I Here?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by cbecker53

I’m a retired librarian who has worked in public and academic library settings in Wisconsin and Minnesota. I’ve been blogging here since 2012, almost three years. I started this blog because I had recently retired, but because I had done … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Solve Every Problem!

Posted on February 27, 2015 by cbecker53

The post 4 Easy Steps to Solving Every Problem in the Workplace resonated with me when I first read it. Then I set it aside, and just found it again today.  And again, it resonates! The article is not specific … Continue reading →

Posted in Employees, Management, Supervision | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Are You a Change Agent?

Posted on February 24, 2015 by cbecker53

Here‘s a post from Fast Track that begins: When organizations believe they must change to survive, they often bring in an outsider to drive that transformation. But that can be as disruptive as it is stressful, leading to turnover, reduced … Continue reading →

Posted in Change | 1 Comment

More About Makerspaces

Posted on February 20, 2015 by cbecker53

I wrote about makerspaces in libraries awhile back.  There is so much written about them that I don’t earmark every one to mention in this blog.  But Five Things to Remember When Opening a Makerspace has some good tips, especially … Continue reading →

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Keeping an Open Mind

Posted on February 18, 2015 by cbecker53

I just re-read this post I had saved awhile ago.  I needed it today.  My state is deeply divided politically.  My country is deeply divided as well.  So I have to pay attention when I read things today like: If … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Listening, Management, Productivity | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Diversity and Collection Development

Posted on February 13, 2015 by cbecker53

Selection is Privilege (The Show Me Librarian) is an excellent blog post getting some attention in library circles this week, and I would be remiss if I didn’t draw your attention to it.  If you don’t do selection at your … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Literature, Collections, Public Libraries, Selection | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Try Something Different

Posted on February 9, 2015 by cbecker53

Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by having too many choices that I am paralyzed and can’t make a decision.  Does this ever happen to you?  Do you respond by simply sticking to the same old standard choices?  I’m afraid I … Continue reading →

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Snow and Libraries

Posted on February 4, 2015 by cbecker53

Much of the country had snowy and blizzard conditions recently.  Lots of libraries closed.  So begins the ever popular debate, whether to close or stay open.  Personally, I think it is a hard call.  I don’t think libraries should necessarily … Continue reading →

Posted in Library in Community, Public Libraries | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

What Aren’t They Telling You? And Why?

Posted on January 30, 2015 by cbecker53

If you’re a manager, whether in a library, or somewhere else, it is important to foster an environment where employees are not afraid to tell you hard truths. 10 Things Your Employees Aren’t Telling You If this is the case … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Employees, Leadership, Management, Supervision | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

And the Winner is. . .

Posted on January 27, 2015 by cbecker53

This time of year typically finds me trying to see as many of the Academy Awards nominated movies as I can (at least those that I think I’ll like). I’ve always thought that the Oscars would provide good fodder for … Continue reading →

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