Tag Archives: Libraries

Being Strategic Without Stalling

Posted on December 5, 2012 by cbecker53

As a huge proponent of strategic planning for public libraries (see here, here, and here) I often struggle with finding the balance between being strategic while allowing for flexibility.  It is important to follow your strategic plan, and not fall … Continue reading →

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Marketing for Libraries

Posted on December 3, 2012 by cbecker53

Marketing is more than “advertising” programs and other things happening at your library, and a marketing plan is not something you do when you feel like you’ve got everything else done.  It is not (or should not be) and afterthought! … Continue reading →

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Telling the Story: Why is YOUR Library Essential?

Posted on November 6, 2012 by cbecker53

Yes, the economy is tight.  Yes, funding bodies are telling libraries “we love libraries, but there’s just no more money.”  But, with the right blend of statistics, anecdotes, and persuasion, you can influence elected officials, who can, in turn find … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Customer Service, Funding, Library in Community, Promotion, Public Libraries, Public Speaking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

NaBloPoMo. Plus an L

Posted on November 4, 2012 by cbecker53

Apparently November is National Blog Posting Month.  And apparently, you’re supposed to blog every day for the month.  If you follow my blog, you know I have trouble posting every day—but I do try to post at least twice a … Continue reading →

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The Benefits of Art

Posted on October 25, 2012 by cbecker53

So here’s an interesting fundraising idea:  “The Library Lovers’ Art Auction.” I dearly wish libraries did not have to resort to fundraisers.  And when they do, that the funds raised could be for capital campaigns, for buildings, and for “frills.”  … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Planning: Your Map to the Future

Posted on October 16, 2012 by cbecker53

Does your library have a strategic plan?  Many of you are probably saying “Well, no. . .  I know we probably should, but I don’t have time.  We have enough to do just keeping the doors open and waiting on … Continue reading →

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A Perfect Marriage: Libraries and Voter Info

Posted on October 10, 2012 by cbecker53

It’s October 10, and the fact that Election Day is November 6 is much on my mind. One of the most important things libraries can do is inform citizens about their important right and duty: voting.   There are many ways … Continue reading →

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Bringing the Library to Your Home!

Posted on October 5, 2012 by cbecker53

I spent last week in Minnesota with my mother and sister; much of the week was actually spent in the hospital in Rochester, because my 91-year-old mother had some kind of incident, probably a very tiny stroke or seizure.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Elderly, Library in Community, Persons with Disabilities, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

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

Can we Save Public Libraries?

Posted on August 19, 2012 by cbecker53

  I recently posted about how libraries have changed and improved, and my feeling that although library funding may be threatened in the current economy and political climate, we must not allow them to go backward.   Yesterday I encountered … Continue reading →

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