Author Archives: cbecker53

What Makes a Good Library Professional?

Posted on October 2, 2012 by cbecker53

I’ve been helping out with a public library system director search process.  I love hiring and interviewing; I don’t know why, I just do.  This process has gone very well, partly because of a very good committee. Anyway, we’ve had … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Customer Service, Decision-making, Employees, Hiring, Leadership, Management, Public Libraries, Recruitment, Selection, Strategic Planning | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Make a Book Disappear

Posted on September 30, 2012 by cbecker53

How to Make a Book Disappear:  Jonah Lehrer’s discredited Imagine has vanished from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and his publisher’s website. Why that’s bad news for readers.

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Communication: Is it Hard to Talk About Yourself?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by cbecker53

Yup, I’m talking about communication again!  Makes you wonder about me, doesn’t it.  But, I have to say, I think it is so critical to being a good leader, manager, librarian. . . and in fact, being a good person!  … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Leadership, Presentation Skills | Tagged , | 1 Comment

What Can You Do to Solve This?

Posted on September 17, 2012 by cbecker53

    Here’s a no-nonsense take on Handling Co-Worker Complaints and Backstabbing.  I like the first tip:  “Ask the complainer, ‘What can you do to solve this?’” Dan Rockwell goes on to offer simple suggestions, in a succinct post.  Read … Continue reading →

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

Boost Your Presentation Skills

Posted on September 12, 2012 by cbecker53

As a leader, whether in libraries, or some other area, you will be called upon to make speeches and presentations.  And if you’re not, you should be finding opportunities to make speeches and give presentations.  This is a skill every … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Help Your Users Protect their Identity

Posted on September 10, 2012 by cbecker53

The Public Library Association (PLA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are partnering to share information on identity theft and identity protection.  From the cover letter the FTC sent to PLA members:  “Everything we produce is in the public domain:  … Continue reading →

Posted in Library Programs, Public Libraries | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Every Reader Her Book

Posted on September 7, 2012 by cbecker53

Reading Jennifer Burek Pierce’s An Old Friend in the Library (American Libraries, August 2012) brings to mind my 91-year-old mother, and how she is no longer really able to use her public library.  It also brings to mind Ranganathan’s Five Laws … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Elderly, Policies, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

I am Not Alone!

Posted on September 4, 2012 by cbecker53

I had an “aha” moment when reading a post on AskAManager about “imposter syndrome.”  It also led me to a Huffington Post article on the same topic. Who knew there were others who felt they didn’t really know what they … Continue reading →

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Labor Day Musings

Posted on September 2, 2012 by cbecker53

  Labor Day weekend, 2012.  Amid festivities, celebrations, and sentiments, I’m taking time to reflect on the holiday.  All those years that I was working, I confess it was just another day to be glad of the day off with … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Labor Day, Labor Unions, Library Funding, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Are you Just Going With the Flow?

Posted on August 31, 2012 by cbecker53

. . . Or are you taking your organization in the direction you want and need to go? If you aren’t sure (or even if you are), read Leadership Drift—How to Recognize it and Reclaim Your Purpose by Jessie Lyn … Continue reading →

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