Tag Archives: Public library

Keeping Up with Professional Tools

Posted on January 7, 2013 by cbecker53

So, in case any readers of this blog don’t know it, being a librarian, and being a library director—heck, just working at a library, is hard work.  (Contrary to what you may have read.) It is hard to keep up … Continue reading →

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Praise for Newtown Public Library

Posted on December 18, 2012 by cbecker53

My Sunday post was really just a moment of silence for Newtown, with a brief mention of what public libraries might do to offer assistance to those trying to cope with the tragedy. Today I am in awe of the … Continue reading →

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Are Guys Using Your Public Library?

Posted on December 10, 2012 by cbecker53

Do you struggle to bring boys into the library and get them excited about libraries and books?  You may find helpful info in the American Libraries article Connect Guys With Books. It is the story of how the New Albany–Floyd … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Boys, Children's Literature, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Programs, Library Services, Men, Public Libraries, Reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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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Library Trustees–an Important Asset

Posted on November 28, 2012 by cbecker53

I believe that it is true that members of a public library board, sometimes called trustees, can be the very best tool that library has.  I also believe it is imperative to educate them so that they can be as … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Library Boards, Library Funding, Library Trustees, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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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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

Policies for the Good of the User, not Just the Library

Posted on August 29, 2012 by cbecker53

Although the article “A Tale of Two Students” (American Libraries) is about schools, it could just as easily be about public libraries.  It contains two scenarios about school acceptable use policies. In one scenario, Michael learned about appropriate online conduct, … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Equal Access, Library in Community, Policies, Public Libraries, Social Media | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment