Author Archives: cbecker53

You Can’t Go Wrong With Chocolate!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by cbecker53

So, today’s post isn’t really about chocolate, except tangentially.  But maybe I grabbed your attention.  Which is really what it is all about. The Illinois Libraries Matter post on Are you Talking to Yourself made me re-think what I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Library in Community, Library Programs, Library Services, Marketing, Promotion, Public Libraries, Social Media | Leave a comment

Something to Think About!

Posted on March 28, 2013 by cbecker53

Two posts on being a boss, or manager, or whatever term you’d like to use, make some really useful points. Are You Cut Out to Be a Boss by Alison Green of AskAManager cautions: “Starting to think you might be … Continue reading →

Posted in Employees, Management, Supervision | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s the Real Issue?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by cbecker53

Today’s post has to do with communication again, which I know I’ve addressed before.  But today’s topic is more specifically about communication about workplace problems or issues. Often, when people tell us about something that’s worrying them, they talk “around” … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Employees, Leadership, Listening, Management | Tagged | Leave a comment

Don’t Just Drift!

Posted on March 22, 2013 by cbecker53

Sometimes in our lives it is OK, maybe even wise to just float.  Kick back, let the current take you wherever it will.  But usually this does not work in our professional lives.  Success doesn’t just “happen,” and organizations, including … Continue reading →

Posted in Employees, Leadership, Management, Planning, Professional Development, Strategic Planning, Supervision | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Listening to Your Community

Posted on March 20, 2013 by cbecker53

I didn’t know that the library vendor Demco offers an online newsletter on their site.  I thought the article 5 Steps to Redefining Your Library was really well done. It talks about surveying your community in a variety of ways:  … Continue reading →

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Connect2Compete: Check This Out!

Posted on March 18, 2013 by cbecker53

If you haven’t already, check out Connect2Compete, an initiative to “help Americans access technology through three exciting offers: free digital literacy training, discounted high-speed Internet, and low-cost computers. To promote the work, Connect2Compete will create a national outreach campaign focused … Continue reading →

Posted in Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Programs, Technology | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Content Overload

Posted on March 15, 2013 by cbecker53

Content overload.  Here’s a topic we’re familiar with as librarians.  There is simply TOO MUCH STUFF out there, and libraries can’t possibly buy it all or make it all available.  There is also simply TOO MUCH STUFF for us to … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Are You Communicating Clearly?

Posted on March 12, 2013 by cbecker53

Sometimes as managers, supervisors, library directors, we communicate with our staff in polite, collaborative ways (after all, we want everyone to like us!), when we really need to be more direct and make it more clear that we are not … Continue reading →

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10 Great Tips

Posted on March 7, 2013 by cbecker53

Teacher Librarian Tips are actually for (new) school librarians, but I think they are pretty good tips for any librarian or library staff member. Be sure to read the full article, but here are some of the tips: Assume the … Continue reading →

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Are You a Winner? Is Your Library?

Posted on March 4, 2013 by cbecker53

Leadership Thought #420—7 Common Traits of A Winner (from Ed Robinson) Courage Resiliency Self-Belief Focus Work Ethic Passion Commitment Do read it and think about it. What would you add?

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