LIBRARY LOUNGE

Dump the Org. Chart: Get `Er Done!: Management for a 2.0 Library

I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this SirsiDynix Institute presentation. You can listen to it as a podcast or view it using your Windows Media Player. If you have never checked out the free programs from the SirsiDynix Institute I highly recommend them. I have watched quite a few and have never felt that it was a waste of my time.

They describe them as: the SirsiDynix Institute presents compelling speakers selected from among leaders in librarianship and information technology. In each biweekly Web conference, presenters will share their expertise and enhance your understanding of current topics important to librarians.

One of my favorites was 25 Technologies in 50 Minutes by Stephen Abram MLS —Vice President Innovations, SirsiDynix. Another one I highly recommend is Library Conflict Management for Consenting Adults Turning Enemies into Allies by Pat Wagner —President, Pattern Research.

I just finished this incredible book by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin and I could not put it down. If I had to choose to read only one book this year - this would have been it and I have read a lot of books this year. This book is proof that each and every one of us can make a difference in the world. We may not be able to go to the lengths that Greg has but we certainly can support efforts such as his.

I have always known in my heart that peace is possible and I think Greg has shown us the way. I wish that every person in America would read this book (yes Mom and Dad this will be your Chanuka present this year ;0) If you work in a library please help to promote this book and make sure there are plenty of copies available.

Enter Website Here.

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My father-in-law turned me onto this website and it is COOL! This is a great tool for comparing and preparing my library statistics and strategic planning but it will work for anyone who needs demographic data and wants to compare it easily to other regions.

From Michael McGrorty’s Blog, Library Dust: “here is a survey, intended for librarians, on the subject of the 2008 Presidential Election. Librarians who wish to take this survey can click on the link below; results will be provided as we go along. Note: The response order has been randomized; what you see is not necessarily what others will view. Thanks in advance for your consideration.”

“>Click Here!

Keith Johnson, media center director at John F. Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota.
I found this on American Libraries Direct - a great source of information.

Something really amazing happened a few nights ago. Over 100 residents of Adams County showed up to talk about their library and where they wanted it. It was great that almost every single one of them wanted the library to go downtown and help with the redevelopment of that area in Brighton but what was really important was that they cared enough to show up. They were passionate about the library and what it did and could offer their community. I have not felt this good about working in a library for a long time! Now the hard work begins as we must negotiate and develop a plan that will work for everyone in the community.

Mindy

I had the opportunity to see this movie last week at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library in Broomfield, CO. First of all big thanks to Cynthia Nieb, Assistant Reference Librarian, for putting this together and inviting all us librarians ;0)

I really enjoyed this movie and I think that it gives an accurate and broad picture of many of the issues that libraries and librarians face today. I am so thankful that someone took the time to do this and it makes me prouder than ever to call myself a librarian!

For more information check out the website. The Hollywood Librarian Website

“Housework can’t kill you, but why take a chance?” - Phyllis Diller

Thanks to the bookbitch.com ;0)

We have a new director and her name is Pam Sandlian Smith. She will be joining us in November. She is currently the Director at the West Palm Beach Public Library but is originally from Denver.

We had the opportunity to meet Pam last month. She joined the administrative team for a meeting and we had about an hour to interact - and that didn’t scare her off! She also presented at a public meeting later that day. I thought she did an excellent job of answering the question about the future direction of libraries and how that could/should affect the Rangeview Library District.

The library used the executive search firm of Gossage Sager Associates. Having experienced a search for a Director both ways now - with and without an executive search firm - I believe that our money was well spent with Gossage Sager and I highly recommend them and would use them again.

Mindy

I enjoy listening to recorded books but I am sometimes disappointed with the narrator. Last month I was lucky enough to listen to two really good novels and the narrators were excellent on both. If you enjoy recorded books I highly recommend the following:
Water for Elephants
North River
Let me know if you have any thoughts on these books and I would love to hear your suggestions about other good books to listen to.
Mindy