Library Leadership Podcast: Recent Episodes
Adriane Herrick Juarez
The Library Leadership Podcast features real library leaders discussing the most important issues in libraries today. We hope it becomes a resource for everyone navigating the fast-paced world of information service provision.
Adriane Herrick Juarez is the Executive Director of the Park City Library in Utah. She believes library leadership is an ever-evolving practice that is enhanced through thought-provoking conversations and the sharing of ideas.
Have you wondered how you can support neurodivergent staff and volunteers in the workplace? On this show, Renee Grassi (she/her), Librarian and Accessibility Consultant, discusses cultivating an inclusive work environment for neurodivergent team members, including accessible communication and promoting neurodiversity in our organizations.
How can data help us transform our libraries? On this show, Sonia Alcantara-Antoine, Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore County Public Library and Past-President of the Public Library Association, discusses transforming the library with data-driven decisions. This valuable information can help us challenge our assumptions, optimize resources, and create impact.
Have you ever wondered how you can best serve older adults in your library? On this show, Suzanne LaPierre, Virginiana Specialist Librarian for the Fairfax County Public Library, discusses ways to serve older adults and provide exemplary access as our communities age.
How do you make your case to potential donors for your library? On this show Craig Palmer, Fund Development Manager for Sonoma County Library, returns to the podcast to expound on what he shared last year about Building Strong Library Foundations. Here, he talks about case statements—what they are, how they work, and their critical role in helping donors understand how our cause can be their cause.
In your organization, are there ways to share negative viewpoints or emotions, and is it helpful to do so? On this show Carrie Rogers-Whitehead - author, library consultant, and Founder of Digital Responsibility - talks about The Glass Half Empty: the Positives of Negative Emotions. She shares how not allowing for negative emotions can hold back our teams and what we can do about it.
Have you ever wondered about the extent of sexual harassment of librarians in the workplace? On this show, Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Research at William and Mary Libraries, and Jennifer Resor-Whicker, University Librarian at Radford University, discuss their research on this topic. It’s a conversation that opens the door for broader work on what can be done to combat sexual harassment in our field.
Do you have a building improvement or construction project coming up and want solid steps to make it a success? On this show Toni Lombardozzi, Project Manager at the Charleston County Public Library, shares how to navigate building projects in various stages. This information is helpful as many of us find ourselves tasked with changing, upgrading, or building to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
How can you understand employees in a way that creates better retention and engagement? On this show James Pugh, Director at the Cedar Springs Public Library, talks about Retaining Employees Through Stay Interviews. It’s a way to help improve the workplace for staff so they will want to stay and help serve our communities.
Have you wondered if there are ways for your library to engage your community in promoting civic engagement and bridging differences? On this show Jennie Garner, Director of the North Liberty Library, Shamichael Hallman, Director of Civic Health & Economic Opportunity for the Urban Libraries Council and the author of Meet Me at the Library, and Tara Susman-Peña, Senior Technical Expert for IREX, talk about the Bridgebuilding in Libraries Program and how all of us can engage in work that helps bring communities closer together.
Do you have hidden gems in your library collections that you would like to highlight by developing immersive VR experiences? On this show Beryl White-Bing, Virtual Learning Librarian at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library at the University of North Florida, and Trina McCowan, Director of Library Services for the Proctor Library at Flagler College, share valuable information about how they went about featuring the life and work of Eartha M.M. White through an immersive online experience. It’s an inspiring story that can help us all bring to life treasured stories from our collections.
What does your library need to harness the power of AI? This show is the second of a two-part series on AI with Christoper Jimenez, Web Services Librarian, and Melissa Del Castillo, Virtual Learning & Outreach Librarian, both with Information & Research Services at Florida International University Libraries. On this show, Melissa discusses Harnessing the Power of AI through collaboration, community, and communication.
What does your library need to harness the power of AI? This show is the first of a two-part series on AI with Christoper Jimenez, Web Services Librarian, and Melissa Del Castillo, Virtual Learning & Outreach Librarian, both with Information & Research Services at Florida International University Libraries. On this show, Christopher discusses Harnessing the Power of AI through Literacy and Frameworks.
How do we embrace experimentation in libraries to adapt to our rapidly changing professional landscape? On this show, Cathryn Copper, Head of the Eberhard Zeidler Library in Ontario and the author of The Experimental Library, talks about how we can all use experimental techniques to create success in our organizations.
What can your organization do to embrace mentoring as part of succession planning? On this show, Ann Marie Barrett, Manager of the Bingham Creek Branch, and Maggie Mills, Manager of the Whitmore Branch, with Salt Lake County Library, talk about everything to consider when making mentoring part of your succession planning.
How can our libraries support small businesses and nonprofits? On this show, Rachel Fuller, Information Services Manager, and Kristine Cook, Manager of the Adult Services Division for the Main Library, with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, share how they are Empowering the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in their library system and how you can, too.
Have you ever wondered how library foundations can open doors to untapped funding for your library? On this show Craig Palmer, Fund Development Manager for Sonoma County Library, shares how library foundations can activate fundraising for your organization and what drives giving for libraries. Whether you have an established library foundation or are thinking about this for the first time, this is useful information.
Have you ever wanted to create a fun way to develop in-house leaders in your library? On this show, Judi Boyce, Assistant Director at Sublette County Library, Erin Wahl, Associate Professor University Archivist at New Mexico State University Library, and Eileen Wright, Library Director at Montana State University Billings, discuss a method they formed to develop in-house leaders that involves games, play, and a pirate theme to make learning about leadership fun.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in the routine work of librarianship in a way that makes you uncomfortable or frustrated? On this show Dr. Darin Freeburg, Associate Professor, and Katie Klein, Doctoral Student in Library and Information Science, in the College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina, share information about research they’ve been doing on problematic routines in libraries. They share what they’ve learned about what can cause these problems and reflect on the possibilities for creating workplaces free from the challenges of problematic routines.
What are ways we can engage our communities in work that embraces differences? On this show Essraa Nawar, Assistant Dean for DEI Initiatives and Development at Chapman University’s Leatherby Libraries, shares her experiences regarding the power of being different and meaningfully connected to the rest of the world. She helps us learn how to engage in work that promotes cultural understanding and inclusion.
How do we make our staffing plans match the needs and expectations of our organizations? On this show Daniel Neville-Rehbehn, Director of Customer Experience at the Salt Lake City Public Library, talks about the importance of creating staffing plans that optimize our most valuable resources, our people.
Who wants to handle a difficult conversation in the workplace? If you are saying, “not it” right now, this show is for you. And, let’s be honest, this probably applies to all of us to some degree. On this show, you will get advice from a knowledgeable panel about how not to sweat difficult conversations. Listen to find out how from Tiffany Peck, Director of Customer Experience, and Jen Wiese, Director of Human Resources, at the St. Louis Public Library, and from Angie Miraflor, Deputy Director of Public Services, and Danielle Perry, Director of Human Resources, with the King County Library System.
How do you make your library the hub of the community? On this show Lacey Sudderth, Assistant Manager at McAlester Public Library in Oklahoma, talks about how to engage in relationships across our communities to create broad connections and involvement that can truly make our libraries the hub of the community.
We often talk about leading library services from within libraries. But what do you do if you want to provide library services and don’t have the luxury of four walls? On this show Vashalice Kaaba, PhD Candidate of Information Studies at Florida State University, talks about spreading literacy, no walls needed. She was inspired by work she did in the Peace Corps in Uganda spreading literacy and saw similar needs in the U.S., so developed a project called “Library in a Box” that addresses the pressing issue of literacy access in underserved communities.
Support for the Uganda Wanyange Primary School Community Library Project can be provided at https://givebutter.com/KfV8XA.
What are the options for building a digital equity strategy in your library? On this show Alexandra Houff, Digital Equity and Virtual Services Manager with the Baltimore County Public Library, talks about her library system’s work in this area as well as the opportunity for all libraries to create access that is supportable, sustainable, and scalable.
How do you set up new and second-career librarians for success in your library? On this show Kathel Dunn, Associate Fellowship Program Coordinator with the National Library of Medicine, shares valuable information on ways to support those coming into the profession. It’s an outstanding model that all of us can use to mentor others into excellence in librarianship.
What are ways we can bring joy into our work lives and libraries? On this show Rebecca Hass, Programming and Outreach Manager with Anne Arundel County Public Library, talks about Building Joy-Centric Libraries. It’s a way we can get joy into the conversation about what we do and then make it happen.
Have you wondered how to address your challenging library work through creativity to help solve problems and uncover new possibilities? On this show Megan Lotts, Art Librarian with Rutgers the State University of New Jersey and the author of Advancing a Culture of Creativity in Libraries, helps us do this. This discussion invites you to unlock your creative potential in tackling your library’s most pressing needs.
As librarians, we are always looking for ways to bring meaningful stories and programs to our communities, but do you ever struggle with finding ways to do that? On this show Kase Johnstun, Manager of the Utah Center for the Book with Utah Humanities, talks about the ways this becomes easier through partnerships with state humanities organizations. There are 56 councils located in every U.S. state and jurisdiction that work to support local public humanities programs and provide prime opportunities for partnering to bring stories and programs to our libraries.
Do you ever find it challenging to see the good in people when difficult situations arise? On this show Rebekah Cummings, Digital Matters Interim Director at the University of Utah Marriott Library, shares insights on Leading from a “Good Inside” Perspective. It’s a way of shifting our perspective when dealing with others that allows for generosity even when it may be challenging.
All of us want to avoid dysfunction within our organizations and create successful teams, yet how often do we have time to talk and think about ways to do that? On this show we do just this with Lauren Clossey and Amanda Johnson, Owners of Alliance Research and Training in North Carolina, as they share information on rooting out dysfunction and creating successful teams. They provide insightful training on this topic to help teams build trust, safety, inclusion, and transparency to empower libraries to provide the best possible service.
As library leaders, we often ask ourselves how we can serve unique populations in our communities. With the number of homeschool families increasing across the nation, have you been asking yourself how to best serve them? On this show Elizabeth Stinnette, Children's Librarian at the Purcellville Branch Library in the Loudoun County Public Library System in Virginia, provides answers about how libraries can best serve homeschool families. She includes useful information about the history of homeschooling, how homeschool students are similar and different from their traditionally schooled peers, and what never to ask homeschool students and their parents.
In this day and age, with many resources and services online, have you considered how to help your patrons access healthcare professionals right from your library? On this show, George Strawley, Library Engagement Specialist for Region 4 with the Network of the National Library of Medicine, and Trish Hull, Library Manager of the Kearns Branch in the Salt Lake County Library System, talk about telehealth 101. They explain the ins and outs of providing important telehealth resources for your patrons in a way that anyone can implement.
Have you ever had negative work experiences and wondered what others have done when they found themselves in similar situations? On this show Amadee Ricketts, Director of the Cochise County Library District in Arizona, talks about the results of a survey she conducted about negative work experiences in libraries. The results provided insights into the commonalities of these experiences, whether libraries are worse than other workplaces, and what red flags to watch for when applying for library jobs.
What are restorative practices and how can they help our libraries create dialog, trust, and growth? On this show, Stephen Jackson – Director of Equity and Anti-Racism at Oak Park Public Library in Illinois - talks about creating peace circles in libraries where people can share perspectives in safe environments that develop relationships and heal trauma.
How can your library help people in your community increase their civic engagement? On this show Lauren Deering, Coordinator of Civic Engagement, and Adriana Blancarte-Hayward, Senior Manager of Outreach Services, both with the Community Outreach and Engagement Department at New York Public Library talk about Creating Civic Engagement Programming in libraries. As they describe in this episode, libraries are trusted pillars of civic life in our communities and ideal venues for implementing civic engagement programming, making this a relevant topic for all of us.
What is compassion satisfaction and what effect does it have on those of us in the helping profession of librarianship? On this show Kay Coates - Assistant Professor of Research, Instruction, and Outreach at Georgia Southern University Libraries – explores how serving others often leads to enjoyment and satisfaction, but also a need to strive for balance and self-care in the process.
What are ways our organizations can unite support staff and librarians? On this show Machelle Keen, User Services and Facilities Coordinator for Vanderbilt Libraries in Tennesee, talks about this important aspect of development for our organizations and how, as a library support staff member for over 33 years, she created a conference to help do this. Her passion for uniting, supporting, and developing all members of our teams bridges the gap between support staff and librarians to help everyone’s talents shine in providing excellent library services.
What is quiet quitting and how might it affect your library? On this show Annie Epperson, Professor of Teaching & Learning at the University of Northern Colorado Libraries, and Stephen Sweeney, Director for the Cardinal Stafford Library at the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary, share what they have learned about quiet quitting. We are hearing a lot about this in the news as people grapple with work culture, life balance, pay, and equity. This conversation explores the quiet quitting phenomenon and what it might mean for all of us in libraries.
Have you wondered if there was a way to write policies without worry? On this show Beka Lemons, Director of the Huntington City Township Public Library in Indiana, talks about Writing Policy Without Worry. Good policies are an essential part of library operations. Beka provides concrete steps and practical tips that will make your process of policy writing far less worrying.
As librarians how can we utilize data and what we learn from it to skillfully represent what’s going on in our organizations? On this show Katie Pierce Farrier - Data Science Strategist for the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 3 – talks about ways we can use data dashboards to communicate and share findings to best serve constituents.
How do we recover from experiences of failure? On this show I talk with Lisa Becksford, Head of Learning Design Initiatives at Virginia Tech’s Newman Library, A.M. Alpin, Director of Library Lab & Special Projects at New York University Libraries, and Isabel Soto-Luna, Business Librarian at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Each shares personal reflections on failure and insights for recovery. While failure is something none of us wish for, it holds potential growth. Being able to talk about this and know we are not alone can help all of us successfully move past failure.
How can your library help constituents in the role of economic development? On this show Diane Luccy, Business and Careers Manager at the Richland Library in Columbia, South Carolina, and Julie Brophy, Adult and Community Engagement Manager at the Baltimore Public Library in Maryland, share steps our libraries can take to become valuable resources in economic development and help support thriving local economies.
Have you asked yourself lately how you can up your reference interview game to best serve your constituents? On this show, we hear from two professionals at the Denver Public Library. Stacey Grijalva, is a Librarian at the Central Library, and Robin Filipzak, is Supervisor at the Eugene Field Branch Library. They share how successfully discerning what people need using reference interviews is key to creating happy customers. This topic is fundamental to our profession and essential for getting the people we assist just what they need.
Are you a quiet leader or do you work with others who lead quietly? In the field of librarianship, it is thought that more than half of those in the profession are introverts. On this show, Jennifer Blair, Associate Professor and Head of User Services Librarian at Azusa Pacific University in California, talks about how quiet leaders can excel in promoting successful work environments and leading others in a way that is influential but doesn’t change who they are.
Have you ever thought about how you can support nonprofits as essential community links and valuable resources for those you serve? On this show Sam Passey, Director of the Uintah County Library in Utah, shares how his library helps non-profits thrive to best serve constituents and create knowledge about what’s possible in developing opportunities for all.
There’s no denying that these days librarians all over the nation are grappling with questions regarding the First Amendment and the legal ramifications of challenges in our libraries to intellectual freedom. On this show, Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the Director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, shares essential information about libraries and the First Amendment. While Deborah is an attorney, she cannot offer legal advice or legal counsel. Please take the information shared on this show as information only, as a guideline to start a conversation with your own legal counsel.
How do we engage in work that is intentional and makes the best use of our limited time and energy? On this show Rebekah Cummings, Digital Matters Interim Director at the University of Utah Marriott Library, talks about Selecting Your Yes with Intention in order to do good things in our communities while also taking care of ourselves and engaging in work that best utilizes our capacities.
Have you ever wondered how to help customers navigate information in an age of so many people making so many claims? On today’s show Heath Stanfield, Manager of the McAlester Public Library in Oklahoma, takes us back to basics to examine classical models of logical fallacies that can help us help our customers find high-quality information.
In leading our libraries towards success how can emotional intelligence play a role? On this show Jen Nelson, State Librarian of New Jersey, shares how our capacity to know ourselves, appropriately express our emotions, and handle our work relationships with empathy makes us more effective - and how this is accessible to everyone.
How do we provide supportive management for people with disabilities in our workplaces? On this show Katie Manwiller, Education Librarian & Assistant Professor at West Chester University Libraries in Pennsylvania, Sammy Peter, Chair of the Libraries Faculty at the University of Wyoming, and Kiyomi Deards, Chair of the Libraries Faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln talk about what we need to know to support people of all abilities working in our organizations.
What benefits might we see working on projects and supporting teams if we are able to decenter ourselves and empower others? On this show Erin Leach, Head of Administrative Projects and Organizational Effectiveness at University of Georgia Libraries, talks about what it takes to be an effective leader who puts others forward to create successful outcomes.
What do we do when things are changing around us but we are not the ones in charge? On this show Catherine Soehner, Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah, talks about the dynamics of change and how we can react according to our roles, all the while influencing the change process for better results.
How can we successfully manage volunteers in our libraries? On this show Maggie Rose, PR & Marketing Associate at the Barberton Public Library in Ohio, shares strategies for success on how to recruit, integrate, and recognize volunteers and even thoughts on what to do if something goes wrong.
How can we operate effectively in the workplace without overextending? On this show Kiyomi Deards, Chair of the Libraries Faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Leo Lo, Dean and Professor at the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico, talk about how to be generous without being a doormat. Thinking about ways to align actions with appropriate boundaries and priorities can help all of us be more effective in our work.
How often do we think to ourselves that if we only had time for wellness we could do so much better in our careers? On this show Laura Summers - Associate Clinical Professor and Program Leader for Leadership in the P-12 Libraries Program at the University of Colorado, Denver - talks about the 8 Dimensions of Wellness for Librarians. A commitment to taking care of ourselves truly can benefit us and our organizations.
What knowledge do library directors need to be effective? On this show Michele Stricker, Deputy State Librarian of Library Development in New Jersey, shares the essentials of library director training developed through her agency to provide effective leadership support in her state. She talks about the essentials that library directors need to know in managing staff, working with boards, influencing elected officials, working with communities, and more.
What effect does worker engagement have on the success of our organizations and what can be done to increase it? On this show, Elaina Norlin, Professional Development Coordinator for the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries and author of The Six Step Guide to Worker Engagement, talks about what it means when people are disengaged in the workplace. She shares the elements that increase the likelihood of people being truly engaged and happy in their work, which sets both workers and libraries up for success.
Have you ever been asked a question at the library and suddenly didn’t know what to say? On this show Brittany Davis and Kevin Jones, Librarians at Eastern Kentucky University Libraries, share ways that comedy and improv can help. By knowing and practicing improvisational techniques librarians can be prepared to think outside the box when faced with the unexpected. It’s a lighthearted way to enhance the work we do in libraries.
How do we deal with the current climate of censorship facing libraries? On this show Alison Macrina, Director of Library Freedom Project, talks about the state of censorship in the US as coordinated efforts take place to remove materials from the shelves of libraries. She shares what we need to understand about those actively opposing materials in our libraries, how to respond to protect ourselves, and how to prepare for this issue with staff, boards, and other stakeholders.
What do you do when you apply for a position and don’t get it? On this show Sarah O’Shea, Head of Youth Services at the Tompkins Public Library in New York, shares how though this can feel like a set-back there are ways to move forward that allow for self-care, regrouping, and coming back with new focus and strength.
How often do you find yourself feeling out of your depth in the workplace? On this show Erin Collier-Plummer, Youth Services Manager at the Winter Park Library in Florida, talks about Imposter Syndrome – what it is and isn’t, how it can affect careers, and what to do about it.
Why is it important for you to engage your community in voter and civic engagement and how can your library do this? On this show Kian Flynn, Geography and Global Studies Librarian at the University of Washington in Seattle, talks about National Voter Registration Day and the opportunity it provides each September for libraries to help strengthen our democracy. He includes a myriad of resources that all of us can use for planning and implementing successful voter and civic engagement activities for the benefit of all.
What do you do if you want your strategic plan to grow with your organization? On this show Amanda Standerfer, Consultant at Fast Forward Libraries, and Gerry Vogel, Assistant Director at Avon Lake Public Library, talk about how we can make our strategic plans learn. Just having a plan doesn’t mean success. We can use the information in this podcast to implement plans that are learning-focused.
Have you ever thought that the time spent planning took away from actually getting things done? On this show Anya Feltreuter, Director of the Mjölby Public Library in Sweden, shares how less planning and more action took her team out into the field to get things done. Doing this they were able to succeed at getting people to start using the library, building relationships, and getting her organization seen in a new light. You can, too.
Have you ever wondered if there was a way you could slow down in your professional life while engaging in more meaningful work? On this show Meredith Farkas, Faculty Librarian at Portland Community College, shares how we can do this using slow librarianship - a concept with the characteristics of being good, humane, and thoughtful. It's not about creating mediocrity. It's about engaging in our best and most meaningful work.
How do we navigate the role of middle management that so many of us find ourselves in at one time or another in libraries? On this show Amanda Scull, Head of Education and Information Services at Dartmouth College Biomedical Libraries, shares why this can be a tough spot to be in and ways to handle the dual position of day-to-day operations plus administrative responsibilities. This conversation gives practical steps that all of us can use for navigating middle management.
What does it take to achieve successful job searches? On this show Bill Humbert, Chair of the Park City Library Board in Utah, shares inside knowledge from 40+ years as a national recruiter. With so many changes taking place in the current job market this is invaluable information.
If you could find a way to support others in your organization, increase engagement, and improve performance and commitment all while deepening levels of understanding would you do it? On this show Vera Keown, Organizational Development Librarian at the University of Manitoba, talks about Coaching in the Workplace and what we can do to successfully implement skills that make these kinds of benefits possible.
How can we manage change when it is so frequent in libraries? On this show Lynn Hoffman, Director of Operations at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey, shares the brain-based reason why when we are asked to change, then change more, then change again we can feel a high level of resistance. While it can be an exciting time as libraries reimagine ourselves, this episode teaches us how to avoid change overload.
What can you do to create a winning team culture in your organization? On this show Amy Stalker, Associate Department Head at the Dunwoody Campus Library at Georgia State University, talks about ways we can develop a team culture that helps us want to go to work and helps make work a place where our teams want to be.
Have you ever wondered what the application of kindness can do in our library practices? On this show Dr. Sarah Clark, Dean & University Librarian at La Salle University and Founder of the Kind Leadership Guild and the Kind Leadership Challenge Podcast, opens up about how a crisis in her own leadership caused her to do a deep dive into kind leadership, what it is, and how we can all challenge ourselves to grow in this realm for the betterment of our organizations.
We have all heard a lot lately about the waves of book bannings happening across our country, reaching levels not seen in decades. What exactly is the American Library Association seeing out in the field? On this show Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association, shares what is driving these efforts at book banning, what materials are being most challenged, why reporting censorship is vital to protecting the freedom to read, and what actions we can all take to protect the freedom to read.
What does your organization need to do to prepare for succession planning? On this show Carolyn Schubert, Director of Research and Education Services at James Madison University Libraries, shares ways we can prepare for organizational change and why now is the time to begin thinking about this.
Do you prepare for handling ethics situations in your library before they arise? On this show Gail Santy, Maribeth Shafer, and Patty Collins from the Central Kansas Library System share why this is a good idea and how to do it. When you are faced with a situation that challenges core policies and library ethics you will be ready if you apply the practical advice offered in this conversation.
On this show Jamie LaRue, CEO and Founder of LaRue and Associates, shares a distinctive way our organizations can move from being library-centric to being community-centric by cataloging the community. It’s a way we can take the classic library skills of cataloging, reference interviews, and database creation to the next level to create a powerful way to serve our communities.
Why does customer service matter? On this show Asti Ogletree, Operations Manager at the East Central Arkansas Regional Library at the Cross County Branch, jumps right into this topic to explore just why customer service matters and how we can help our library teams make it happen. You won’t want to miss this conversation on what to do when we feel like scattering when a difficult patron walks through the door or even how to create “inspiration stations” to help us be our best selves when we are helping people.
What are effective ways we can implement staff development on any budget? On this show Tiffany Hayes, Director of Library Development at the South Carolina State Library shares thoughts on this topic. All libraries have staff learning needs that can benefit from this conversation. From effective learning design to developing a plan for our own library with clear objectives and outcomes, the ideas shared here will help all of us implement effective staff development on any budget.
What do we do in libraries when patrons sexually harass staff? On this show, I speak with Katie McLain Horner, Head of Circulation and Reference at the Lake Bluff Public Library. She shares why personal experiences dealing with this issue led her to think and write about ways to support staff who experience this troubling problem. On this episode we learn how not to respond to sexual harassment, what steps to take if is someone reports an incident, how this can be especially sensitive for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ members of our staff, how important it is to ask staff what they need in these situations, and even what the documenting of sexual harassment incidents should look like.
What are policies of yes and how might they help us serve our user groups? On this show Jennie Garner, Director of the North Liberty Library, shares what it means to think about policies in a way that creates flexibility, inclusion, empathy, and allyship with those we serve while including staff in policy development and training in a way that gets everyone to yes.
How can we overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed and intimidated when moving into a new role of being in charge? On this show Suzanne Macaulay, Deputy Director of the Pioneer Library System in New York, talks about ways to overcome these feelings as well as how to avoid some common mistakes of new leadership. She shares the importance of support networks and professional development, and what new leaders bring to the table. We are all new to roles of being in charge at some point. Listening to this conversation will help anyone finding themselves in that situation to set off on the right foot. Enjoy the show!
Are there ideas that libraries can take from the business world to create success? On this show I speak with Elektra Greer, Director of the Nederland Community Library in Colorado, about Shark Tank lessons for libraries. She discusses what it might look like to pitch our ideas for funding and support using lessons from entrepreneurs that add value, help develop services, and bolster marketing techniques. It’s an intriguing conversation that provides insights into entrepreneurial success that we can apply in our libraries.
What causes low morale in libraries? On this show I talk with Kaetrena Davis Kendrick. She’s a researcher, facilitator, and leader in libraries who was recognized in 2019 as the ACRL Academic Research Librarian of the Year. Her findings revealed a disturbing level of abuse in libraries and a lack of institutional support to resolve these situations. She shares with us important insights from her work on low morale in libraries, how it particularly affects BIPOC members of our organizations, and ways we can transform ourselves and our libraries to inclusively honor the lived experiences of library workers.
How does trauma impact the lives of those we serve in libraries? On this show I speak with Tiffany Russell. She's a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in libraries delivering trauma-informed service. She shares what a trauma-informed approach can look like in assisting people and creating safe spaces for everyone - along with what resources, partnerships, and advocacy we need to do this work.
How do we implement award-winning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training in our libraries? On this show Rosy Wagner, Lifelong Learning Librarian for the Burlington County Library System, shares what her organization did to win the EBSCO Information Services Library Staff Development Award to do just this. It’s something from which we all can learn.
Have you ever experienced stress and burnout in the workplace? These can take a huge toll on all of us, yet we don’t often take the time to work on ways to overcome this. On this show Amanda Moore, Library Stress and Management Consultant, shares ways we can beat burnout. It’s an important topic that I hope everyone in libraries will tune in for. Enjoy the show!
What are the benefits of developing your professional reputation in libraries? On this show, Megan Hodge, Head of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Commonwealth University, shares ways that we can get our work and names out in the profession along with how this can help our careers.
How do we ensure our libraries perform well and make informed decisions about strategic direction? On this show, Dr. Larry Nash White, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Library in Oklahoma City, discusses how organizational performance information successfully guides the accomplishment of our mission, vision, and goals.
On this show we get tips from Sunnie Scarpa - Library Director of the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison, Connecticut - who shares ways to talk so your boss will listen with dos and don’ts, how to prepare for conversations, how to create fresh starts - and even tips for the bosses themselves.
So, you want to be a manager? Or, maybe you already are a manager and want to do the best job possible in your management practice. Then this show is for you. On this episode of Library Leadership Podcast I speak with Austina Jordan, Head of Access Services at the University of North Georgia, who helps us explore the essentials of management including ways to integrate adaptive leadership, set expectations, fairly apply policies, and even avoid common mistakes we can make as managers. Ultimately, we want happy employees. This episode will help us get there.
The Library Code of Ethics - it's foundational to our profession. Yet, how often do we stop to think about what those are, how they affect staff, and ways that we create our policies and procedures using these ethics? On this episode we do just that speaking with Annie Gaines, Continuing Education Consultant for the Idaho Commission for Libraries. She shares all of this plus information on a new article that's been recently added to the American Library Association's Code of Ethics.
What is User Experience and how can it help us support our communities? On this show I speak with Lauren Stara, Library Building Specialist for the State of Massachusetts. She shares what is behind the User Experience movement and how getting out of our own heads and into those of our users can lead us to advancements that will take our libraries with fresh eyes into the future.
It is the email you hope to never get. Your library funding is on the chopping block. What are we to do when something like this happens in our library? On this episode I speak with Jennifer Heneke, Chief Engagement Officer at St. Joseph Public Library in Indiana. She shares what happened when this scenario came to pass in her organization and how they fought back, plus the lessons that were learned that can help all of us in libraries.
We are rebuilding from Covid-19. Given all that we have been through, how do we prepare for the future together with our Friends of the Library? On this show I speak with Krista Riggs, Director of the Madera County Library in California. She shares the ways we can create a sense of alignment between the Library and the Friends of the Library, and how being intentional in the development of this relationship let’s us all play for the same team.
What is the role of libraries in dismantling disinformation? Libraries have long held public trust and been cornerstones for providing reliable information sources. On this show I speak with Barbara Alvarez, instructor and author of Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian. She shares the importance of libraries leading the way in dismantling disinformation by describing what it is and giving a background on the roots of disinformation, as well as how to partner within our communities to take on the disinformation-dismantling role through the creation of actionable and purpose-driven engagement in this area. It is an important topic for everyone to consider.
How do we effectively engage in grant writing as librarians? On this show, I speak with Julie Edwards, Librarian and Instructional Designer with Niche Academy. She shares practical steps and strategies for our libraries for writing grants, and even what to do when you don’t get one.
We all know that strategic planning is important. But how do we do it effectively? On this show I speak with Stu Wilson, Principal Consultant with Library Strategies Consulting Group. He shares insights on strategic planning and what it does for our organizations. We talk about why the process of writing a strategic plan is important and how to have success while avoiding missteps.
How do we integrate high tech amenities into our libraries? On this show I go on-site at the new Kearns Library in Utah, a branch of the Salt Lake County Library System, where I talk with manager Trish Hull. Trish has built a new 35,000 square foot facility chock full of the latest technology to serve her community - from a culinary arts kitchen, to VR goggles, to 3D wood cutters, to programmable robots – you’ll find it all in this stunning new library. I talk with Trish about how to get stakeholders on board with new tech offerings in libraries and how to integrate tech services into our buildings and with employees, and provide thoughts on how to do this even if you’re not building a new library. You’ll find images of the new building on our website at www.libraryleadershippodcast.com.
What does providing trauma-informed service look like in libraries? On this show, I speak with Bryce Kozla, Youth Services Librarian at Washington County Cooperative Library Services and a trained facilitator in trauma-informed service. You’ll learn why it’s important to focus on being trauma-informed and what it means in a library context, as well as learn about toxic stress in work interactions, how to apply trauma-informed principles at work, and why workforce wellness is essential in trauma-informed service.
How can we lead with compassion? On this show Carey Hartmann, Director of the Laramie County Library System in Cheyenne Wyoming, talks about compassion as a fundamental element for how we serve our communities. I hope this episode of Library Leadership Podcast inspires you and touches your heart as much as it did mine.
How do you tackle the important work of creating effective policies and procedures in your library? While this sometimes seems like a daunting task it’s essential to keeping our organizations running smoothly. On this show, I speak with Carli Spina Associate Professor and Head of Research and Instructional Services at the Fashion Institute of Technology Library. She shares valuable information on why policy and procedure writing is important, how to create effective workflow for this process, how we can evaluate what we already have in place, and how to introduce new policies and procedures to staff and the larger community.
How do we expand our reach in libraries in a way that can truly change lives? On this show I speak with Cheryl Heywood, Director of the Timberland Regional Library in Washington State, about partnering for impact. This topic is a special request from a listener. If you would like to recommend speakers for our show we invite you to do so by emailing us at: LibraryLeadershipPodcast@gmail.com. Enjoy the show!
Have you ever thought about how to improve workplace well-being for yourself, your team, and your organization? Many people believe that libraries are a mecca of peace and tranquility and, while this may be true at times, for library employees there can be a great deal of stress and burnout while delivering library services. On this show, I speak with Brenda Hough, library consultant and instructor, about workplace well-being. She shares what contributes to well-being in the workplace, strategies for dealing with stress and burnout, how to take care of our own well-being at work, and how libraries can be good places to work organizationally. It’s an important and timely topic for all of us.
Looking to up your collection development game in a way that will have people singing your praises? If so, this conversation with Beth Atwater is for you. She’s the 2020 Recipient of the Allie Beth Martin Award for her depth of knowledge about books and other library materials, as well as the distinguished ability to share that knowledge with others. Beth is a buyer with the Johnson County Library Collection Development Team in Kansas where she has turned superfandom into super collections.
When writing a grant or award application, wouldn’t it be helpful to have advice from someone who’s already done it successfully? On this show, I talk with Ed Garcia, Director of the Cranston Public Library in Rhode Island. His organization won the 2020 Jerry Kline Community Impact Award that comes with a $250,000 prize. He talks with me about the award application process, ways to empower staff to create impacts that translate into recognition, and what goes into applying for opportunities that bring attention and support to libraries.
If you could eliminate anxiety, save time, and utilize helpful conversations to develop the performance process in your library would you do it? On this show I speak with Brian Mortimore, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development for the Kent District Library in Michigan. He shares a model of performance management that includes regular employee check-ins to make these things possible.
Adriane Herrick Juarez has been the host of Library Leadership Podcast since 2017 and has had the opportunity to interview many guests who have shared their ideas, innovations, and strategic insights in the profession. This year, we had a number of listeners reach out to us asking to hear more about Adriane, why she started the show, what she has learned, and any secrets of success she can share about leadership. As 2020 comes to a close, this episode shares a few of Adriane’s thoughts. Thanks to all of our listeners for their support. We will be back next month with more conversations from outstanding guests. Enjoy the show!
Want to create amazing programming while making every budget-dollar count? On this show, I talk with Chelsea Price, Director of the Meservey Public Library in Iowa. She’s the author of the book 209 Big Programming Ideas for Small Budgets and shares on this episode ways that with creativity, flexibility, and heart we can all deliver outstanding programs that make the most of every programming dollar. These are ideas every library can use.
How do you define leadership for yourself? For each person there is a different answer. On today’s show, I talk with Michelle Ornat, Deputy Director of public services for the San Jose Public Library. She discusses how we can define leadership for ourselves and utilize a combination of traits to develop our own personal leadership style. Whether you are currently in a leadership role or looking to grow in this area, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Want to be an ideal library leader or employee? Today’s guests offer insights into just what that looks like. Dr. Anthony Chow, Associate Professor at The University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Ashley Conte, Librarian at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library, share research that examines what we all can do to up-our-game as both leaders and employees.
During times of rapid and unexpected change, as we are all dealing with now, it can be helpful to get information from an expert to help guide our paths. So, I reached out to Tony Gardner. Tony is on the faculty at the University of Virginia serving as the Director of the Leadership Development program of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
He works in both the public and private sectors to improve organizational performance and manage large-scale organizational change. I was fortunate a number of years ago to attend the Leadership Development Program at the University of Virginia and learned a great deal from Tony, who generously on this podcast episode, shares his expertise about Leadership in Times of Change.
Do you know what to do if you are faced with harassment or bullying in your library? According to Dr. Steve Albrecht, one of the nation’s leading experts on library safety and security, many of us do not. Because of this, cases often go unreported, which can lead to unfortunate consequences.
On this podcast you’ll learn about the importance of having policies in place to deal with bullying and harassment, how this is a training matter, and what the intervention processes should look like in libraries. I hope you’ll tune in for this important conversation.
Does developing an annual report for your library make you nervous? If so, you’re not alone. But, fear no more. On this show I talk with Patrick Bodily, Library Director of Independence Public Library in Oregon. He shares ways we can make an impact with our annual reports and gives pro tips on how to share our stories in ways that are eye-catching and understandable. There will be lots of impactful annual reports coming out for those who listen in.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a guide to library management in a nutshell? On this show, that’s what you’ll get as I talk with Lisa Hussey, Associate Professor at Simmons and editor of the book Library Management 101: A Practical Guide.
It’s all here: how to deal with change and conflict, planning and decision-making, communication, and even respect in the workplace. Whether you’re a current manager or perhaps looking at going into management this information will prove invaluable.
Have you ever had the need in your library to assist families after periods of trauma? On this show I speak with Megan Schadich, Creator of the Healing Library. Her organization creates resources for libraries to help trauma, recognizing that families can build their own journey of healing with quality experiences and materials at their libraries. From dealing with the death of a loved one or a pet, to handling Alzheimer’s, to coping with the myriad of emotions surrounding COVID-19 the resources that Megan shares will help libraries help families.
How do we plan for the unplanned? Before recent occurrences, this question may have felt less urgent. But now, it’s clear that life is coming at us fast and that it helps to be as prepared as we possibly can.
On this show, I speak with Miriam Kahn, MLS, MA, PhD, author of Disaster Response and Planning for Libraries. She shares ways to implement planning even if we don’t know what’s coming around the corner.
Does library advocacy feel more important than ever to you right now? On this show, I speak with Beth Nawalinski, Executive Director of United for Libraries a division of the American Library Association. She shares that now is always the time for advocacy. There is a certain sense of urgency as we work to recover from the pandemic. Working with trustees, foundations, and Friends groups can provide essential support in the current environment. Beth provides intentionality and tools to help all of us work together to help our libraries.
Have you ever had someone in your career that has helped you navigate your way through the profession? Whether yes or no, mentoring is a process that can benefit us all. On this show, I speak with Ginger H. Williams, Associate Dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services at the Wichita State University Libraries. She shares how mentoring is a unique process that can be formal, informal, or even self-directed. Whether you’ve had a mentoring experience and want to think about the ways it works best for our profession, or are looking to engage in the mentoring process this information will prove invaluable.
Are you wondering how you can navigate quickly shifting realities and expectations during the Coronavirus Pandemic? On this show I talk with Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Research Services at William & Mary Libraries in Williamsburg, Virginia.
When her university moved her team to remote work, she realized she’d need new strategies to support her colleagues in this time of crisis. The thoughts she shares in this conversation are valuable as we all face the struggles of managing in these unprecedented times.
How can we make our libraries human-centered community assets? Find out on this show as I talk with Jeff Davis, Library Planner and Designer at Architectural Nexus. Jeff believes architecture is about people not buildings. You won’t want to miss this discussion as he shares how an inclusive community approach to designing our libraries can make our facilities achieve great reach and relevance
As librarians, how many times do we tell people what we do and have them say, “Oh, that’s nice. It must be so relaxing?” While it may be cliché, I bet we’ve all heard this a time or two. The truth is that library work can take its toll. On this show, I talk with Jenn Carson, Director of the LP Fisher Public Library in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada.
She is a yoga teacher, a positional therapist, and the author of Yoga and Meditation at the Library: A Practical Guide for Librarians. She’s also the creator of YogaintheLibrary.com. Whether you are knotted up over work, personal issues, or politics this show teaches how we can take care of ourselves and unwind.
As presenters, research says that an audience will develop an impression of us within 15 seconds. If we’re giving a presentation and fail to have a great opening, people will basically tune us out. We are asked to present all the time in libraries to stakeholders, governing bodies, in programs, and to one another.
On today’s show, I speak with Victor Baeza, Graduate Initiatives and Engagement Coordinator and Business Librarian at Oklahoma State University. He shares excellent ways to warm-up your audience to ensure successful presentations, something we all can use.
There are differences between leading and managing. How often do we stop to think about what those are and how we can apply them for best results?
On today’s show, I speak with Diana Weaver, Director of the Basehor Library in Kansas. She shares how leadership and management are distinctive but complimentary. We can use this knowledge to create organizational structures that really work. I enjoyed this conversation filled with information we all should know and I think you will, too.
What leaders need to be successful can be developed in a variety of ways. But, as a profession, how often do we think of having a youth services skillset as an ideal path to leadership? Today, I talk with Amadee Ricketts Director of the Cochise County Library District based in Bisbee, Arizona.
When her career path led her into administration, she was struck by how her youth services skillset applied directly to leadership. So, she conducted a survey to explore this further. We are fortunate to get to hear about what she learned that will hopefully inspire and build great leaders in libraries, from youth services beginnings.
We all have people in our organizations who we want to support and help grow. But, what is the best way to do this? On today’s show, I talk with Dr. Melissa Cast-Brede, Associate Professor, and Erica Rose, Library Science Faculty and Program Coordinator, at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
They share with us a process of appreciative inquiry that allows us, in libraries, to throw out models of deficit thinking and embrace positivity in working with others. We can all benefit by creating an affirming cycle of inquiry to support those around us. You won’t want to miss this information to help set the groundwork to support teams and possibly even develop some of our best leaders from within.
What a pleasure it was having the opportunity to talk with Wanda Brown.
2019-2020 American Library Association President. She is the Director of Library Services at the C.G. O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. She’s been an ALA member for over 30 years, and held multiple positions within many divisions of the organization, including governance in the Black Caucus which recognized her in 2015 with their Award for Excellence. She shared with me her vision for her presidential year, how all of us can lead from any position, some secrets for success, and what she’s seeing out in the field that is inspiring her. Tune in for this motivating message.
When you interact with someone in the workplace do you ever stop to think about the position you’re coming from being an influence on your interactions? Just as in language and grammar, when we use, “I, You, and They,” the positions of first-person, second-person, and third-person can change the outcomes in our dealings.
On today’s show, I talk with Pat Wagner who, along her husband Leif Smith, owns Pattern Research, Inc., a research, consulting, and training business in Denver. Most of her work for the last 40 years has been for libraries, higher ed, local government, and small businesses. She talks with me about why it is important to understand positions in our libraries, how we operate within those, and how we can learn to change positions for best results.
There are two types of leadership, Adaptive and Technical. Adaptive Leadership hits people in the heart. It takes long-lasting and sustained effort to affect change in this area. Technical Leadership is work that can be done with the head, thinking through steps to fix a situation, and then you’re done.
Are you ready to determine which one you’re dealing with in your organization and then use knowledge of yourself and ways to engage others to benefit your library? You will be after listening to Robin Newell, Director of the Emporia Public Library in Kansas, as she teaches us leadership principles based on work she’s done with the Kansas Leadership Center.
Have you ever wanted to push the envelope on implementing digital resources in your library, and in particular Virtual Reality? On today’s show we have a fantastic guest to help us lead the way in this area of service as I talk with Pete Schreiner, Research Librarian for Design at North Carolina State University Libraries and a 2019 Library Journal Mover & Shaker.
He helps us understand some of the intricacies of incorporating VR into our libraries. From breaking down barriers, to evaluating tech gadgets for ease of use, to developing step-by-step guides for users - he aids us in leading our organizations in this continually evolving and fast-paced realm.
Have you ever felt a twinge of nervousness when it came to hiring personnel? While hiring may sound easy on paper, in practice, it can be daunting to find the right employee for the right position. With proper implementation, an effective hiring process can save us time and money, as well as set our employees and our organizations up for success.
On today’s show, I talk with Kelly Skovbjerg, Director of the Patrick Heath Public Library in Texas, to gain insights about the best practices for bringing on employees. Whether you’re new to hiring, a seasoned professional, or someone who simply wants to learn more about what it takes to employ people as one of our most important assets – this information will help take the anxiety out of hiring.
Have you ever been asked to step up to the plate and show leadership in an unexpected way in your library? Barb Brattin, Director of the Kenosha Public Library in Wisconsin, was and hit it out of the park – both literally and figuratively.
In 2018, her library won the “Power of Libraries Award” from SirsiDynix for important work that involved a broad city initiative to end violence in city parks by making them places where positive activities engaged the community.
It’s a huge success story involving many partners and headed up by a library that was willing to take on the challenge of connecting people and resources for dynamic results.
As information professionals, we have a lot coming at us. Is it possible to keep up with the rapid-fire pace and stay stress free? According to today’s guest, it is. Doug Crane is the Director of the Palm Beach County Library System.
He has a blog called the Efficient Librarian and teaches workshops and webinars on this topic. He explains how to organize our workflow systems, develop our personal knowledge management structures, take effective action-steps for success, and even have an email inbox that is empty at the end of each day.
By tuning in, you will get simple steps to make all of this efficiency a reality.
So, here’s an interesting question. If a population is underserved, and possibly not even coming into the library in the first place, how do we serve them? Or, maybe they are coming in and we are not quite sure how best meet their needs.
There are always opportunities to ask unique populations what is most important to them and then work to break down barriers in order to serve people well. On today’s show, I talk Dr. Bobbie Bushman, Assistant Professor at the Emporia State University School of Library and Information Management.
She has a strong background in serving populations such as the deaf community, incarcerated individuals, children with disabilities, homeschoolers, and homeless individuals. She shares the importance of serving underserved populations and provides ways that we all can initiate this focus, which ultimately benefits the whole community.
Have you ever had someone in your career that has shown compassion and joy in the way they lead and asked yourself how you can grow in similar characteristics? I have, and know that working in an environment that embraces these values feels truly inspiring.
Today’s guest shares with us how we can cultivate a practice of wholehearted librarianship to create an atmosphere in which others feel empowered and supported. Dr. Michael Stephens is an Associate Professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University and author of the book called WholeheartedLibrarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance.
On this show he shares how we can have a profession that is compassionate, kind, and joyful – and find ways to develop a support network of kindred spirits to mentor new librarians in embracing this motivating style.
How do we increase motivation in the workplace? If we, ourselves, or those around us do not feel satisfied it’s incredibly hard to provide consistently high-level service in our libraries. Today I talk with Dr. Lauren Hays, Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She shares excellent information about models for motivation and what they indicate for how we operate. In this episode we gain useful insights about intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, and even learn practical applications for things like how we can use on-boarding and effectiveness in meetings to motivate our teams. Enjoy the show!
Have you ever found yourself wishing there was one easy place to go with all of your questions about how to be a public library director? Many people come to positions of leadership in libraries with no formal training or a library degree.
So, where do you start? Whether you’re a current, new, or aspiring director there is a practical guide. On this show, I speak with Kate Hall, a library director since 2010, and Kathy Parker, with 16 years serving as a public library director. Together, they have given us the answers in their book, The Public Library Director’s Toolkit. This valuable resource provides one-stop-shopping for all of our questions about running a public library - from human resources to working with boards to overseeing a budget - it’s all here.
Have you ever been in the position to market library events or services without ever having a course that taught you how? As libraries, we want to break through the noise of all the other messages that people see every day to share the word about all that we have to offer. Having a marketing mindset can create inroads to those we serve and ensure awareness about all we have to offer our communities.
On this show, I speak with Kathy Dempsey, author of the book The Accidental Library Marketer and former Chair of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference. She offers practical advice that will make you an astute marketer in no time.
How often in libraries do we ask ourselves how we can ensure that our services stay essential and sustainable in the communities we serve? These days, it may be more often than we like.
On today’s show, I speak with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director at the Mid-Hudson Library System in New York and author of the book, Sustainable Thinking: Ensuring Your Library’s Future in an Uncertain World.
She presents globally on topics related to library sustainability and gives us essential guidance that helps us answer the question of how libraries can maintain our important roles in society.
In fact, the American Library Association finds this so essential that it has just adopted sustainability as a core value of librarianship.
What is toxic leadership and how does it play out in library settings? And why was I, as a podcast host and leader of a library, nervous to talk about this? Research shows that 65% of librarians have experienced toxic leadership in the workplace. In our “librarian-culture-of-nice” this is not always a comfortable topic.
Libraries are a positive force in our culture and should be in the workplace, as well. On this episode of Library Leadership Podcast, I talk with Dr. AlmaOrtega, tenured librarian at the University of San Diego Copley Library and author of the book Academic Libraries and Toxic Leadership. She teaches us about the characteristics of organizational toxicity.
Learning about this often-sensitive subject helps us start a conversation in the library profession to inoculate our institutions against the pitfalls of toxic leadership.
We all want to feel positive and engaged in the workplace. However, have you ever wondered how you can actually wake up on Monday morning excited to go to work, as well as foster this same excitement in those around you? On today’s podcast, we talk with Fatima Doman author of the book Authentic Strengths.
She teaches us how we can create improved happiness and effectiveness in the workplace using positive psychology that capitalizes on our unique strengths. If we work in ways that utilize what we do best, we really can feel excitement about our jobs and appreciate the attributes that our colleagues bring to the table. Fatima shares a system to Explore, Empower, and Engage with our strengths to increase personal effectiveness and create success in our libraries.
Have you ever wanted to be an advocate for your library but weren’t sure where to start? Chances are you’re already doing it in ways you might not have realized.
On today’s show we talk with Lance Werner, Executive Director for Kent District Library, about the difference between formal and informal advocacy and how we all probably already do some this on a daily basis.
With the information on this episode we can all get better at building relationships, maintaining those, and finding ways to intersect our interests with those of decision-makers, and others, who can help us sustain and grow our libraries.
Have you ever wondered how you can handle the many disruptors in libraries that threaten our relevancy?
Today’s guest Ranny Lacanienta, Director of Product Management with SirsiDynix, walks us through the many changes that have taken place in libraries over the past decades.
He shares the importance of creating experiences in libraries as a way to engage patrons for lasting impact. Memorable experiences create ownership, encourage pride, and develop a sense of community. As people meet, convene, and share ideas in spaces that positively engage their senses – librarians develop a ‘product’ that will never become obsolete.
Have you ever experienced in your library parts of the community that are struggling with literacy or perhaps even kids who arrive too hungry to engage? These are just a couple examples of the kinds of things that we all know, as librarians, we can’t solve by ourselves.
It’s best if we work with communities to build coalitions to meet unique needs. On today’s show we talk with two guests who have a program that can help. It’s called Communities + Libraries and begins with the premise that each community has the potential to thrive and that libraries are ideal for helping communities come together to reach their full potential.
You’ll learn about this model that any of us can use to design programs with partners that work for a community’s particular needs. Tune in as we hear from Erica Freudenberger, Outreach Consultant with the Southern Adirondack Library System, and Margo Gustina, Trustee Development Consultant with the Southern Tier Library system, both in New York, about their work, developed by a team, called Communities + Libraries: A Community-First Process. Enjoy the show!
How can we increase staff engagement and commitment to positive patron outcomes? Learn about a management model that holds that our employees are our first, and most important, customers. If everyone understands our organizational brand, mission, and objectives we can improve service and reduce organizational dysfunction. Marketing to staff may seem like a big job. But, it takes everyone to “shoot for the moon”, as you’ll learn on this show.
Have you ever thought to yourself that if you were only more organized you could be more productive? On today’s show Lisa Johnson an information professional in the school setting provides for us ideas from her book, Creatively Productive, to help tackle time wasters and clear clutter for success.
She shares the importance of having passion and purpose while using the best tools for calming the chaos - both for ourselves and for the information seekers in our organizations. Making sense of it all will be easy after you listen to this show.
How do we, as librarians, communicate the value of our services? On this show we hear from Constance Ard, the Answer Maven, now utilizing her MSLIS and 20+ years of experience as the Research Services Resource Manager with an international law practice. As we listen to Constance, we no longer have to be intimidated by expressing our value, nor will our message be lost in a changing world.
Assembling library teams can be challenging. It can also be a lot of fun, especially if you listen to Kevin King, Head of Branch and Circulation Services at the Kalamazoo (MI) Public Library. Kevin has a unique way to think about bringing together the right heroes for teams and capitalizing on their superpowers. He shares with us the important archetypes of teams and how to integrate those for great results in superhero style. Need a Hulk on your team? How about a Batman? Find out if you do on this super episode.
National Entrepreneurship Week is February, 16-23, 2019. In this special episode of Library Leadership Podcast we explore ideas on how your library can support the local economy by assisting entrepreneurs.
The New Mexico State Library is leading the way in assisting entrepreneurs. They received a grant for $50,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in implementing a creative economy initiative called, “Libraries as Launchpads.”
Want to find out how you can develop services and resources that create entrepreneurial success for individuals and your local economy? Tune in as Eli Guinnee, the State Librarian of New Mexico, shares the importance of libraries being involved in supporting start-ups and creative business ideas.
Have you ever felt leading organizational change is like the mythical story of Sisyphus, pushing a boulder uphill, only to have it roll down again? If so, you will want to tune into this show as we gain insights that help us lead organizational change, strengthen our skills for this challenge, and engage in techniques that increase success.
Phill Johnson, Dean of the Auburn University at Montgomery Library, and Jessica Hayes, the organization’s Head of Public Services, share their experiences in this area. Tune in to learn that pushing a boulder uphill really can get easier.
Leadership in libraries means getting the word out about what we do. On this show we talk with David Lee King, Digital Services Director at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, about how videos can be a useful way to do that. He teaches us how making library videos can be easy with simple steps to create visual marketing.
Why is it important to renew ourselves and find meaning in the workplace as we provide library services? Today’s guest Cathy Hakala-Ausperk - librarian , speaker, trainer, and author – helps us answer that important question with information from her book, Renew Yourself: A Six-Step Plan for More Meaningful Work. It is important to stay engaged in our own development so that we may offer the best library services possible, creating meaning for ourselves and the communities we serve.
Have you ever wondered how your library can tap into private funding to better accomplish your mission? On today’s show you will learn what programs and services are most appropriate for these kinds of efforts, who you can turn to to do your fundraising and how, which activities are easiest to start with, and even gain insight into the big question, “Should our library have a gala?”
Today we talk with Peter Pearson an active consultant in the area of library fundraising and Board development with 25 years of experience as President of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library in Minnesota. His deep knowledge provides all of us valuable insights. Enjoy the show!
Loida Garcia-Febo is the 2018-2019 American Library Association President. She is an inspiring figure sharing the important message that Libraries = Strong Communities. In this interview you will hear her talk about her experiences traveling to libraries across the country to see the many inspirations out in the field, along with the challenges in libraries with which ALA can help. She shares an important vision for diversity and inclusion, and talks about what ignites her soul on fire while offering advice for each of us to develop our own passions in libraries. You will leave with outstanding resources and insights about ways to serve with love, another message she is sharing during her term.
How would you describe your relationship with the person to whom you report? If yours is top-down, you may be at risk for feeling powerless, disengaged, and ultimately ineffective. We all have someone we report to. On today’s show you will get insights into their behaviors, needs, and expectations - and gain concrete actions to positively influence the relationship as we talk with MichelleArmstrong, the Associate Dean of the Scholarly Communications and Data Management Unit for Albertsons Library at Boise State University in Idaho. We get to hear about her work on, “Managing Up: Strategies for Cultivating Effective Supervisor Relationships.”
Have you ever wanted to create a new initiative in your library, but weren’t sure where to start? How can we make our plans fit the needs of our community, get investment, create involvement throughout our organization, and make it all pay off? On this show, we talk with SariFeldman, Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Library. Under her leadership the system received the highest overall score among America’s largest metropolitan library systems in Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service for many years running. Sariserved as Past President for both the American Library Association and the Public Library Association. She shares the ways in which she started a meaningful initiative for her community called, the Reconnect with Reading Campaign. It’s a successful example we all can use as we kick off initiatives of our own. It will also speak to the readers-heart in each of us. Thank you for tuning in.
Have you ever wondered how you can embrace values in your library that make everyone a leader in every role, as well as create ‘mindshare’ with stakeholders and decision-makers about the importance of your library?
On today’s show you will get practical ways to do just that as we talk with Diane Foster, City Manager in Park City, Utah. She manages, directs, and coordinates municipal services with a background from the private sector, primarily in the high-tech and ski industries.
During her tenure, Park City developed a high-tech Library with a $10 million budget that involved everyone and utilized the skills, ability, knowledge, and energy of a town of 8,000 residents to create a 21stCentury Library that now serves over 175,000 visitors per year.
Finding our root passion in leadership can be a difficult quest. Seeking an answer to the question “Why do we do what we do?” can lead us in many directions. What motivates each person is unique.
Today’s guest provides a pathway to developing as a passionate leader utilizing the letters in the word P-A-S-S-I-O-N, standing for Purpose, Action, Success, Support, Intention, and Now. Follow along as Andrew Sanderbeck an expert presenter, coach, and consultant for libraries takes us on a journey that helps clarify our passion and give us a direct pathway to personal development.
As librarians, we are always asking ourselves, “What does our community need? How can we make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community as a whole?” On this episode of Library Leadership Podcast, we talk with Kendra Trachta, Deputy Director of Sno-Isle Libraries, a two-county system in northwest Washington. She helps us answer these questions by guiding us to become data-driven libraries and shares that this is not really about numbers; it’s about using numbers to understand people and purpose. She takes us from passive to active means for making informed decisions. Her favorite question is “Why?” Yours will be, too, after listening to this show.
Leadership is emotional. People are often promoted into leadership positions based on their emotional intelligence, which research has shown to be twice as important for leaders as technical skills. Those high in this ability are rated as better leaders by the people who work for them, and know how to set a positive emotional tone in their organizations to lead success. On this show Jason Martin, Associate Dean of the Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University, provides an overview of emotional intelligence and its importance to library leaders.
Are you among those who started out in libraries accidentally? Many of us first discover librarianship through entry-level work only to find it is the perfect long-term career choice. That was certainly the case for Anthony Morris who we talk to on this episode of Library Leadership Podcast. Anthony published an article in the May/June 2018 edition of Public Libraries Magazinecalled, “Many Hands Make for Better Work: Enhancing the Library with Entry-Level Workers.” He shares ways that libraries can engage entry-level workers to utilize their unique talents while bringing great benefits to our organizations. By listening, you will discover win-win ways to engage a person in library work that develops their passions and interests, while celebrating how many hands can lighten the work to make our libraries a success.
In July 2018, a Forbes op-ed column argued that libraries should be replaced by Amazon to ‘save taxpayers money’, which led to an outcry that resulted in the article ultimately being taken down.
Our host, Adriane Herrick Juarez, reached out to Kym Cadle founder of Pure Ambition a consulting company that believes living and leading with intention is paramount to creating the change that our current times demand.
Kym has taken teams that are experiencing cascades of rapid growth to rates of even higher success through building capacity for mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
In this interview, she turns her attention to libraries to suggest ways for creating the capacity to deal with unprecedented pace in a way that is intentional and informed by values.
We can all be involved to transcend stressors through a process of awareness, attention, intention, and action. Kym likes to say, “We can’t stop the wave, but we can learn to surf.” Listen as he shares ways to create dynamic outcomes by taking this stance. Kym can be reached at http://www.pureambitionconsulting.com/.
Have you ever had to have a difficult conversation at work? If so, you’re not alone. In an information landscape where change is the status quo, these conversations come with the territory. Being a library leader means knowing how to confidently steer these conversations so that they lead to productive results. On this episode Catherine Soehner, author of the book Effective Difficult Conversations, teaches us how.
Catherine Soehner is the Executive Director of the Eccles Health Sciences Library and is the Associate Dean for Research and User Services at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library. She provides vision and leadership for a wide range of library services delivered onsite and virtually.
Change comes at us rapidly from all directions. What innovations do we implement in response to current developments in libraries? On this episode of Library Leadership Podcast we talk with Miguel Figueroa, Director for the Center for the Future of Libraries (www.ala.org/libraryofthefuture), an initiative from the American Library Association. Miguel shares how everyone in libraries can be empowered to think about the future with unique access points and perspectives. He guides us in evaluating innovations, based on the values of the profession to provide forward-thinking services to our communities. From virtual reality to daily resource allocation, this show helps answer your questions about when to act, or not act, and how to prioritize trends.
Maureen Sullivan provides insights on the American Library Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, designed to empower up-and-coming leaders through project planning, peer networking, and gaining inside perspectives into the American Library Association (ALA).
In this episode, Maureen shares thoughts from her time as President of the ALA in 2012-2013 and from her work with librarians across the country as she designs and implements numerous leadership development programs. You won’t want to miss her thoughts on some of the valuable resources that will benefit everyone in the information profession, along with the personal reasons why this work means so much to her.
There are some leaders who are able to share their journey in such a way that it makes all of us want to come along for the ride. Felton Thomas is just such a leader. As Director of the Cleveland Public Library and past-President of the Public Library Association, his visionary style and pay-it-forward attitude have made a huge impact on the profession. Climb on board as we listen to what brought him to where he is today, the leader of a 5-star rated library known as the “People’s University” a place where everyone can seek out knowledge in ways that are beneficial to themselves, their community, and the world.
Messages matter. Where do you turn for impact messaging? Library leaders practice advocacy on a daily basis, sharing the ways in which libraries benefit the lives of those they serve. The American Library Association’s Office for Library Advocacy (OLA) offers valuable support and resources in a librarian’s quest to become an advocacy powerhouse. Listen in as Marci Merola, the Director of the OLA, shares valuable insights on how to get the most from your efforts to get the message out that libraries transform lives, libraries transform communities, librarians are passionate advocates for lifelong learning, and libraries are a smart investment.
The White House’s FY19 budget proposes eliminating the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). If the budget is passed, a myriad of programs will be cut that America’s libraries utilize to provide essential services to communities through literacy, lifelong learning, and the provision of information resources. What can today’s library leader do about it?
Adriane Herrick Juarez shares her perspective, as a seasoned public library director, on practical things we can do right now about this announcement through our latest Library Leadership Podcast’s library conversation.
As a former Chapter Leader for Room to Read, Adriane Herrick Juarez saw firsthand the important impact that Room to Read has had developing 20,000 libraries and literacy-partnerships around the world and positively affecting the lives of over 11.6 million children through primary school literacy programs and secondary school girls’ education efforts. In this interview with Dr. Geetha Murali, new CEO of Room to Read as of January 2018, we take a global look at Room to Read’s model of deep, systemic transformation in low-income countries as they implement their vision that states, “World Change Starts with Educated Children.”
Through Geetha’s insights, we gain knowledge about what it takes to optimize organizational reach and impact with a laser-focus on an organization’s technical portfolio. This includes investing in proven solutions that address challenges for the long-term – while collaborating with communities, partners, and governments – something that all libraries must do. Come with us on an inspiring world-journey as we learn how to formulate and communicate strong, measurable results – moving beyond passion with hard work and best practices to create transformative change.
Libraries are continuously looking for ways to improve and provide innovative services for patrons in today’s fast-paced information world. On this edition of Library Leadership Podcast, we talk with Kris Johnson, Head of the Learning and Research Services Department at Montana State University Library. She shares with us a process that her library uses called Design Thinking, which implements highly creative methods to provide responsive services.
Design Thinking translates ideas into blueprints for human-centered improvements by seeing things through their eyes. Kris points us toward tools that make Design Thinking something that anyone can do utilizing step-by-step resources. Want to really know what someone thinks about your library? Ask them to write you a love letter – or a break up letter. Kris and her team did just that in a process called, “Hey, MSU Library…We Need to Talk.”
Welcome to Library Leadership Podcast as we talk with Jim Neal, 2017-2018 President of the American Library Association. He is University Librarian Emeritus at Columbia University where his responsibilities included the Columbia Center for Digital Research and Scholarship, the Copyright Advisory Office, and the Center for Human Rights Documentation and Research. He has a long history of ALA involvement leading to his presidency; has participated on numerous international, national, and state professional committees; and is an active member of IFLA (the International Federation of Library Associations). He is a speaker, consultant, and published author in the areas of scholarly communication, intellectual property, digital library programs, and library cooperation.
On this show, Jim Neal shares his vision for ways in which libraries can gain support through demonstrating the positive difference they make in the communities they serve, and documenting their impact. He provides information on a new American Library Association initiative to develop a Policy Corps of experienced leaders dedicated to advocacy and political engagement. He has witnessed positive movement “on the ground” during his presidential tenure, as libraries reach beyond boundaries to provide service. His insights on the important skills librarians must develop to be strong leaders and advocates in the profession will inspire you. Thank you for tuning in to this important conversation.
Peter Bromberg is the Director of the Salt Lake City Public Library System. His office resides in a stunning downtown location, with soaring views and spaces that inspire entry into a world of knowledge and exploration. Peter was encouraged by library leaders before him to participate in the 1998 Snowbird Library Leadership Institute in Utah, where he developed a great admiration for the Salt Lake City Public Library as the founding institution. When he was selected to take over the helm, he held deep appreciation for the institutional history of the Salt Lake Library. He leads in a way that gives people influence and the ability to change the world in which they operate. In 2017, Peter eliminated all library fines, based on the core values of the library profession for equitable access. This elimination of barriers-to-service increased the number of borrowers, card registrations, and checkouts – and earned positive feedback from both the staff and public.
As an EveryLibrary (http://everylibrary.org/) leader since 2012, he’s been helping libraries across the nation ensure stable funding through campaigns to win bonding and tax referendum. For Peter, strategic planning is really road-mapping that is responsive to rapid change; it takes people out of organizational boxes and puts them into something more like clouds with borders that overlap. He encourages staff to fulfill the needs of ‘customer journeys’ in which a request for a résumé book may be understood as the human desire for security and stability. He gets out of bed every day with an intention to enrich the lives of people and to bring out the potential of all human beings to learn, grow, and create a better world. Find yourself enriched by listening to Peter’s inspiring vision!
Jami Munk Carter, Director of the Tooele City Library, just west of Salt Lake City, Utah. On this program, Jami shares the organic path she took into library leadership and reflects on her own vulnerability. She demonstrates the way that she genuinely connects with people, supports her staff, and selflessly gives back to the library profession – even serving as President of her state’s library association. You will have your heart opened as she shares stories about the people who have walked into her life in the heart of the community – the library. She is thankful every day for the gift she has been given through the trust of those she helps. Give yourself the gift of listening to her reflections on the way libraries can change lives.
Valarie Maginnis, Executive Director of the Teton County Public Library System. She shares valuable thoughts on ways in which libraries can provide responsive community services and play roles in the economic and political dynamics that affect our communities. We hear her vision for providing free and open neutral spaces and ways in which libraries can maintain relevancy. She shares personal insights on the role of libraries as collaborators and ways in which she gets her message out to stakeholders. After listening, you will be ready to inspire your followers, to work collaboratively with library foundations, and to think about what libraries mean to you. Like a breath of fresh air from the Teton Mountains, this podcast will leave you refreshed and inspired.