Author Archives: cbecker53

New Rules to Improve Your Library Signage!

Posted on June 22, 2012 by cbecker53

Did you know that updates to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) went into effect March 15, 2012?  I didn’t.  So it was enlightening to read New ADA Signage Standards Take Effect from Library Journal: On March 15, 2012, updates … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Equal Access, Persons with Disabilities, Signage | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Public Library as an Essential Service

Posted on June 20, 2012 by cbecker53

The May/June 2012 issue of Public Libraries includes the article “Connecting Public Libraries with Emergency Responders.”  It is also available online: The Monday after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the director of a rural public library situated about 70 … Continue reading →

Posted in Library in Community, Library Partnerships | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Listening??? (No, Really. . . Are You?)

Posted on June 18, 2012 by cbecker53

Are you adept at communication?  Communication skills are a necessity, not just in our work lives, but in our personal lives as well.  So often we think we are “communicating” when we really aren’t. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when … Continue reading →

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Father’s Day Musings

Posted on June 17, 2012 by cbecker53

Since I wrote a mother-themed post for Mother’s Day, I decided to write a Father’s Day post today.  My father didn’t read stories to us like my mother did, but he did like to read, and he did use the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fathers, Men | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Put ‘er There, Partner!

Posted on June 15, 2012 by cbecker53

A fine article about program partnerships between libraries and local businesses or popular media in the May/June 2012 issue of Public Libraries (the official magazine of the Public Library Association) in the “Tales From the Front” department (see below for … Continue reading →

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Leadership Styles Demystified!

Posted on June 13, 2012 by cbecker53

This is the best article on leadership styles I’ve ever read!  For years I have struggled with the concept of leadership, heard interviewers ask job candidates “what’s your leadership style,” and worked with and observed both successful and flawed leaders … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Management, Selection | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

When You Say “Customer Service. . . ” You’ve Said it All

Posted on June 11, 2012 by cbecker53

I recently read the thoughtful post “Which Kind of Customer Service Do You Mean?” on Infoblog.  Good question!  When a library requests staff training on customer service, whoever is scheduling the training should be really clear on what they mean, … Continue reading →

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(Good)Searching for Money?

Posted on June 8, 2012 by cbecker53

I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know about GoodSearch until recently.  It’s basically a search engine that donates about half of its revenue to American charities and schools that register with them. And yes, by “charities” I mean libraries! From … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Online fundraising | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Soundtrack of Your Book?

Posted on June 6, 2012 by cbecker53

This sounds like a cool thing to me, but maybe you disagree? A service called Booktrack adds music, sound effects, and sound to the text of e-books.  From the New York Times August 2011 article:  “It makes a new and … Continue reading →

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I Think I’m an Elder Stateswoman!

Posted on June 4, 2012 by cbecker53

I think I’ve become an elder stateswoman.  Maybe I should have called my blog “The Elder Stateswoman of Libraries.”  Various online dictionaries I consulted define elder statesman (or stateswoman) as a “prominent, highly experienced older man/woman, especially one acting as … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiring, Job Search, Management, Recruitment | Tagged , , | Leave a comment