This document summarizes Ann Walker Smalley's career path in libraries and related fields. She began her career at the State Library of Ohio and later worked at Battelle Memorial Institute, the Department of Housing and Urban Development Library, and the National Restaurant Association. Throughout her career, she utilized skills like research, writing, public speaking, and relationship building. After taking a 13-year sabbatical, she returned to librarianship through various consulting roles. She advises MLIS students to gain a variety of experiences, advocate for themselves, and look beyond traditional library roles.
The WiLS 2014 Annual Report summarizes the organization's activities and accomplishments over the past year. WiLS believes in supporting libraries, cultural institutions, and their partners. In 2014, WiLS coordinated digital content initiatives, freed up member resources through strategic partnerships and cooperative purchasing, educated and connected the library community through hosted events and interviews, and helped shape the future of Wisconsin libraries. Looking ahead, WiLS' strategic directions are improving cooperative purchasing processes, expanding the Experts Connection service, and strengthening internal time management.
This document provides information on several major library organizations and library journals. It describes the mission, vision, publications, and key focus areas of the Tennessee Library Association, Young Adult Services Library Association, Association of Library Service to Children, American Association of School Librarians, International Association of School Librarians, American Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Tennessee Regional Library System, and OCLC. It also provides brief overviews of the major library journals D-Lib Magazine, Booklist, Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Library Literature & Information Science Index.
The Nebraska Library Commission supports education for librarians by providing programs, but also by providing scholarships and grants to aid individuals in furthering their professional education. Kathryn Brockmeier and Laura Johnson will discuss the NLC scholarship program and the Continuing Education and Training Grants for 2012.
NCompass Live - Oct. 12, 2011.
Bette Dillehay, Director of Mathews Memorial Library in Mathews, Virginia, presented on engaging local government managers as library partners. She provided background on Mathews County, which has a population of 9,200 and is known as a popular retirement destination. Her presentation discussed how local government managers can use libraries to achieve community priorities through joint strategic planning and ensuring library missions align with community goals. She also outlined various governance models, library assets, service roles, and steps libraries can take to become more engaged in their communities.
This document summarizes the 10 year anniversary of the MAGNOLIA Project in Mississippi, which provides online access to databases for all publicly funded libraries and institutions in the state. It discusses how the project was established through a steering committee with representatives from different types of libraries. The steering committee worked to select vendors and databases within the project's budget, address technological issues, and train librarians to use the resources. As a result, the MAGNOLIA Project now provides free access to online information that has significantly improved library services across Mississippi.
The document summarizes the author's observations of adult reference services at a small town public library. Some of the key services observed included assisting patrons with book requests, recommendations, technology help, and meeting room reservations. The reference desk saw steady usage throughout the day. While technology has changed some aspects of reference work, the human connection provided by reference librarians remains an essential role in serving the community.
The document summarizes a presentation about Growing Wisconsin Readers, a three-year early literacy initiative in Wisconsin public libraries. It discusses how the initiative was developed based on a survey of libraries, and how it provides resources like brochures, posters, workshops and grants to help libraries promote early literacy in their communities. The presentation reviews how the initiative can be implemented through distributing materials to places frequented by young families and customizing resources, and hopes it will be sustained through ongoing training opportunities, community partnerships and input to guide future efforts.
This document discusses services for older adults ("Boomers") at the Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon. It outlines the demographics of the region showing a growing older adult population. It addresses initial concerns about focusing on older adults but argues that the library is well-suited to serve this group through its welcoming environment and emphasis on lifelong learning. The document then details how the library began building partnerships within the community and inviting other organizations to collaborate on serving older adults. It provides tips on relationship building and making the case for focusing on this demographic.
Service Organizations for Schools and Communitiesjs8479
The document discusses service clubs and how they can be utilized in a community setting. It provides an overview of major service clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs. It then discusses how to find and partner with local service clubs through their websites and club locators. Finally, it outlines creative ways service clubs can be utilized, such as developing tutoring programs, community gardens, and financial literacy training.
The Minnesota History Coalition invites you to join your colleagues to discuss history activities that have been supported by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, through the Legacy Amendment.
Your library can be the answer to the question that nonprofit organizations continually ask—“Is there anyone else who can help us make the world a better place?” Information on nonprofit management, finances, grant-seeking, and fundraising is crucial to building a strong nonprofit. This is especially true as their service delivery to your most disadvantaged library customers is vulnerable to government deficits and budget balancing. Learn how you can repurpose your own collaborative and information resource skills to proactively support essential services by building a strong Nonprofit Information Resource Center. Guidelines for setting up a new Nonprofit Information Resource Center will be discussed, including models for every budget. You will learn about the best resources available for this challenge, as well as develop an idea of how you can help foster a better future.
Social Media: What is it and what’s in it for my library? Presentation to Ver...vtrural
This document summarizes a presentation about using social media for libraries. It discusses what social media is and why libraries should invest in a social media strategy. A social media strategy involves defining goals and audiences, choosing appropriate platforms and content, and providing examples of campaigns libraries can run on social media. Specific platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and websites are examined with suggestions for how libraries can use them. Peer examples from local Vermont libraries are also presented.
This is the first part of a three-part presentation given at the MLA/DLa Joint State Conference May 2016, in collaboration with Laura Bosley and Joe Thompson
The Wadleigh Memorial Library had its busiest year on record in 2010. The number of registered cardholders increased by 10% annually since 2007 and now totals almost 12,000. Library programs saw record attendance levels with nearly 18,000 people participating in 765 events. Circulation increased 7% from the previous year and 42% over the last 5 years. The library continues working to renovate and expand its facilities to meet the growing demand for its services.
NCompass Live - June 18, 2014.
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/
After two years in development, the Edge Initiative launched earlier this year and library leaders are already sharing how Edge has helped them connect with their local government officials, build community partnerships and align their strategic goals with community priorities. Join us to learn how using Edge will help you make strategic decisions about technology services and connect more closely with your community.
Edge, a professional management and leadership tool, gives libraries a look into their local data, from operations to partnerships and programming. It guides library leaders in assessing how their community is using technology and how to align future growth and services with community goals. It also provides useful resources to package and showcase the data to community leaders.
Presenters: Lourdes Aceves, Senior Program Manager, Edge Initiative and Dr. Molly Kinney, Mifflin County Library, Lewistown, PA.
This document provides information about the Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) student leadership conference. It discusses the formation and purpose of MSCSA, which represents over 110,000 community and technical college students in Minnesota. The document outlines the advocacy, leadership development, and scholarship opportunities provided by MSCSA. It also introduces the MSCSA cabinet, staff, and expectations for the upcoming conference, including workshops, business meetings, and a scavenger hunt.
This resume summarizes the educational and professional experience of Julie Zamostny. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science. Her current role is Staff Development Coordinator at the Western Maryland Regional Library, where she leads training initiatives. Previously she worked as a Reference & Education Librarian at Hood College. She also actively volunteers with the Maryland Library Association and teaches martial arts.
Conversations in the International Librarian Networking Program 2021: Austral...IRRT ILNP
This document summarizes a correspondence between Kathryn Allman from Charles Sturt University Library in Australia and Deirdre Downs from DC Public Library in the United States. Kathryn works as a Senior Client Services Librarian at Charles Sturt University, which has six campuses across regional New South Wales, Australia. Deirdre works as a Children's Librarian at DC Public Library, which has 26 branches across Washington D.C. that serve over one million patrons annually. Through their correspondence as part of the International Librarian Networking Program, they discussed their roles and libraries, challenges of the pandemic, similarities between their institutions, and what they enjoy about their work in librarianship.
This document provides an overview of advocacy resources for library trustees. It discusses the importance of advocacy and highlights several advocacy organizations. Tips are provided on building an advocacy network by identifying advocates, creating a contact database, and keeping supporters informed. The document also offers suggestions for advocacy actions trustees and libraries can take, such as meeting with community leaders, participating in legislative day, and holding annual supporter events. Evaluation methods and tips for telling compelling stories about the library's impact are also summarized.
"Get the Most for Your Money" Presentation NYLA 2013Monica Kuryla
This document provides suggestions for libraries to offer cost-effective programming and reference services with little to no budget. It recommends utilizing volunteers, partnering with local organizations, and reallocating materials budgets. Specific free programming ideas include games, crafts, career workshops, and musical performances. Ways to enhance reference on a budget include creating a virtual research room of free online resources and offering virtual instruction. Promoting these services on social media is also suggested.
The document outlines plans for a library staff retreat to develop a strategic plan through 20[Target Year]. It includes an agenda with introductions, discussions about the importance of libraries and community needs, a review of the preliminary service responses selected by the planning committee, and a tour of the library. The goal is for staff to provide input based on their knowledge of programs and community feedback to help develop a plan to guide the library.
Paper given at the BIALL Conference 'Charting the C's: Collaboration, Co-Operation and Connectivity' 11th June 2015, Brighton, UK.
Paper entitled: Infiltrate and conquer? Showing the world what librarians can do.
Each year, the Nebraska Library Commission awards Continuing Education and Training Grants to Nebraska libraries to provide funding for staff to attend conferences and training sessions. In 2011, the NLC awarded grants to several librarians to attend the Public Library Association Conference in Philadelphia. Attend this session to learn more about the grants and to hear these librarians talk about their experiences at PLA.
This document outlines a presentation given by Stephen Abram on influencing skills for librarians. It discusses defining advocacy and differentiating it from public relations and marketing. It provides tips for advocacy including identifying stakeholders, crafting messages, and using stories and metrics to showcase the value of libraries. Specific advocacy strategies are presented such as developing relationships, partnering with stakeholders, and maintaining ongoing advocacy plans. The document emphasizes listening first, being visible and likable when advocating.
Ola sc fopl session on stories and statsStephen Abram
This document provides an overview of strategies for using data and stories for advocacy presented by Stephen Abram. It discusses positioning public libraries as essential community institutions and identifying their value through talking points and return on investment metrics. Specific advocacy efforts are outlined, including lobbying efforts and developing marketing materials highlighting library impacts. The presentation emphasizes telling impactful stories, understanding different user groups, and establishing oneself as a trusted advocate through networking and knowledge of the issues. Effective advocacy requires passion, proofs, understanding your audience, and believing in the value of libraries.
A web presentation on a new Digital Storytelling initiative launched in collaboration with the American Library Association. Find out how to document your unique personal story of library impact in a growing social media database. Living Stories, Living Libraries can be a platform for community building, library advocacy, and documentary style photography.
This document discusses community partnerships for public libraries. It provides examples of partnerships from the Haywood County Public Library, Conneaut Public Library, and Beaver Public Library. The document outlines best practices for building partnerships, including starting by identifying why the library wants to partner, researching potential partners, and focusing on building relationships. It also notes challenges small and rural libraries may face and provides tips on knowing when to end a partnership. The overall message is that community partnerships are important for libraries to better serve their communities and meet community needs.
Texas: Uncloaking Your Electronic Collections Lesley Williams
The document discusses strategies for promoting library online services to patrons beyond a library's traditional user base. It recommends that individual libraries make their online resources easy to understand and find for all patrons. It also suggests that libraries partner with community organizations, library consortia, and vendors to more widely market digital collections through shared advertising campaigns. The document argues that increased promotion of online services can help libraries remain relevant and boost usage of electronic resources.
The document summarizes presentations from the 2014 MLA/DLA Conference. It discusses several topics:
1) The Geek the Library campaign which aims to raise awareness of funding challenges for public libraries and encourage communities to support their local libraries.
2) Tips for creating dazzling library displays including using book bubbles, books of the day, and props to correspond with materials' checkout periods.
3) The importance of makerspaces in libraries and rethinking what types of programs can foster creative problem solving skills.
4) Recommendations for rearranging libraries using a grocery store model to guide patrons through the space and highlight essential and featured items.
NCompass Live - January 29, 2020
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/
Innovation encompasses far more than technology. One of the most exciting trends in 21st century libraries is the emphasis on restructuring and reinventing our roles in our communities. A huge part of this discussion revolves around the term "Community Engagement". And while this sounds grand and fancy, things often get blurry when we are pressed to define it, implement it, and (the most daunting of all) measure it.
It’s time to cut through ambiguity and put concrete parameters around this evasive topic. This discussion will center around the following questions about community engagement: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and HOW?
Participants will leave with a clear definition of Community Engagement, along with the framework for how to build a Community Engagement plan. One size doesn’t fit all. Your library is uniquely special and to honor this fact, this interactive hour will include brainstorming about what’s right for your library and community. This discussion will be supported by concrete examples and case studies from libraries who have implemented successful community engagement plans.
This conversation is for everyone in the public library. The secret to effective community engagement involves the whole team; we all have an important part to play.
Presenter: Erica Rose, Library Science Faculty/Program Coordinator, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Presenter: Angela Glowcheski.
Presented at the virtual Georgia Libraries Conference in October 2020.
Advocacy can feel big, difficult and often exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how simple advocacy can be and how you can take part. See what tools GLA uses for advocacy and how you can stay up to date on current campaigns and efforts. Attendees will walk away with tips and tools for advocacy.
Reaching New Audiences with Community DialoguesNCIL - STAR_Net
This document provides information about conducting community dialogues at libraries to get feedback from community members. It discusses the goals of community dialogues, how to plan one, examples of partnerships libraries can form, tips for communication, potential successes and pitfalls. The document ends by sharing feedback and suggestions from libraries that have already conducted community dialogues and provides resources for libraries interested in hosting their own.
The document discusses trends relevant to libraries and community needs. It covers topics like lifestyle trends, technology trends, library facilities and services, public perceptions, and alternative visions for libraries. Specific trends mentioned include programming trends like maker spaces and experience-based programs, and community engagement trends like social media use. Major trends relevant to Yukon communities discussed include co-working spaces, technology training, and partnerships between libraries and other organizations.
Behind the lines of the political battle for libraries vla2014 preconferencePatrick "PC" Sweeney
Presented with John Chrastka for the Virginia Library Association Preconference in 2014.
For speaking engagements please contact PC Sweeney at http://pcsweeney.com/speaking-at-your-event/
Stephen Abram presented on trends affecting public libraries, including technology trends like increased use of mobile devices and online learning, demographic trends like aging populations, and programming trends like makerspaces and e-learning. He discussed how libraries are becoming community hubs and destinations through placemaking and partnerships. Abram emphasized the importance of measuring impact and community engagement to demonstrate the value of libraries.
This document provides an introduction to Metronet's year-long Information Literacy Initiative for the 2018-2019 school year in Elk River and Minneapolis Public Schools. It discusses how information literacy and 21st century skills are key to student success in academics, careers and daily life. The initiative aims to teach students how to effectively find, evaluate and use information and technology through the development of critical thinking, problem solving, communication and other vital skills.
The document introduces the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative (MILI), which aims to help teachers and students improve research skills, identify reliable resources, and promote responsible use of information. MILI will provide guidance on incorporating the three Rs - research process, reliable resources, and responsible use - into classroom teaching and assignments. Librarians are seen as vital partners through their expertise in information access, technology, and research skills. The goals of MILI are to influence how teachers approach research, encourage collaboration between teachers and librarians, and help integrate information literacy into curriculums.
This document provides an introduction to Metronet's Information Literacy Initiative for the 2014-2015 school year in Saint Paul Public Schools. It discusses the changing nature of research, classrooms, and libraries due to advances in technology and the internet. While students are accustomed to new technologies, they still need guidance to effectively find, evaluate, and use information, as well as to understand related ethical and legal issues. The initiative aims to teach these important information literacy skills.
The document introduces the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative (MILI), which aims to influence how teachers teach the research process and encourage collaboration between teachers and librarians. MILI will focus on the three Rs: research process, reliable resources, and responsible use of information. It will provide guidance on conducting effective research using a defined process, identifying reliable resources in various formats, and promoting the responsible use of information and technology. The goal is to improve student and teacher research skills and incorporate information literacy into curriculums through collaborative projects.
This document provides guidance on building a strong Friends group to support the local library. It begins with an overview of the different roles Friends can play, including advocacy, fundraising, public relations, recruiting volunteers, and planning events and special projects. It then gives 10 "commandments" for a successful Friends group, such as having support from the library director and staff, clear roles for all partners, and regular evaluation and evolution. The second part focuses on finding new Friends members and provides tips on developing a recruitment plan, targeting different demographic groups, using various marketing strategies including social media, and following up with potential members. It also shares examples from other libraries of innovative ways to engage younger adults. The overall message is that Friends groups need to
Pinterest is a visual bookmarking tool that allows users to curate content by creating virtual cork boards called boards and pinning images, links and videos to the boards to organize around topics. Members can like and re-pin pins from other members and search for new pins to add to their boards from Pinterest. Teachers can use Pinterest for lesson planning, collecting resources for student projects and collaborating with other teachers.
The Metronet Information Literacy Initiative (MILI) aims to influence how teachers teach the research process and encourage collaboration between teachers and librarians on research. MILI focuses on helping students develop skills in the three R's: research process, finding reliable resources, and responsible use of information. MILI will provide guidance to teachers on teaching these skills and incorporating information literacy into the curriculum. The goals are to improve students' research abilities and promote 21st century learning.
This document provides an overview of social media and how organizations can use various social media tools. It defines social media as people using tools like blogs, videos, and sites like Facebook and Twitter to create and share content online. The document discusses many popular social media tools including blogs, microblogging, social networks, photo/video sharing, wikis, and their benefits for organizations. It provides tips for organizations on how to participate in social media, including starting with personal interests, listening first, finding people to follow, and developing a plan with goals and resources. It stresses the importance of regular evaluation to determine what is working.
The Senior Techies program provided technology education classes to older adults across 14 Minnesota libraries. Over 1,000 people attended the 243 classes on topics like basic computer skills, email, digital photography, and internet searching. The classes aimed to boost confidence with technology for participants ages 47-95. Funding from state and national library agencies supported the equipment, staffing, and collaboration needed for the successful multi-library program, which participants found helpful for continuing to use technology and which they hope to see expanded in the future.
This document describes a collaboration between Metronet, MELSA, and Minnesota History Day to hold an event called "History Day @ your library" that aims to:
1) Introduce teachers, librarians, and students participating in History Day to library resources in the Twin Cities area.
2) Help teachers teach research skills and help librarians understand History Day.
3) The all-day event includes keynote speakers and breakout sessions on researching, finding reliable sources, and responsible use of information. The goal is to improve connections between libraries and History Day students.
The document introduces the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative (MILI), which aims to promote information literacy skills among students. MILI will focus on teaching the research process, identifying reliable resources, and promoting responsible use of information. It will encourage collaboration between libraries and teachers to incorporate these skills into classroom instruction. MILI will provide guidance on using new tools and the research process to develop assignments that encourage 21st century skills over simply repeating information. The goals are to help students conduct effective research and evaluate information critically and ethically.
The document provides an introduction to Metronet's year-long Information Literacy Initiative. Metronet is a multicounty library system in Minnesota committed to information literacy and teaching lifelong learning skills. The initiative will focus on improving research skills, identifying reliable resources, and promoting responsible use of information through various activities and tools. MILI (Metronet Information Literacy Initiative) aims to guide teachers, students, and librarians in developing strong research abilities and incorporating 21st century skills into the classroom.
Minnesota has a robust library infrastructure at the state, regional, and local levels to support information access for residents. At the state level, key organizations include the Minnesota Department of Education's State Library Services, the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library, and Minitex. Regional public library systems and multitype library systems further strengthen services. Locally, academic, public, school, and special libraries meet community needs. This infrastructure helps libraries collaborate to serve Minnesotans at all stages of life.
The document introduces Metronet's Information Literacy Initiative, which aims to teach skills for finding, evaluating, and using information effectively. Metronet is a library system serving Minnesota that is committed to information literacy. The initiative focuses on activities like History Day and 21st century skills. It discusses how information literacy, research, classrooms, and libraries have evolved from print-based to incorporating more digital tools and user-generated content for collaboration. The goals are to improve productivity, manage information, and expand reach through communication and creation.
The document introduces the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative, which aims to teach skills for finding, evaluating, and using information responsibly. Metronet is a library system serving Minnesota that focuses on continuing education. The initiative promotes 21st century skills like communication, collaboration, and problem solving using both traditional and new technologies. Information literacy is described as the ability to recognize information needs and locate, evaluate, and apply information effectively, which is key to success in academics, careers, and lifelong learning.
This document discusses library advocacy and who should be responsible for advocating for libraries. It emphasizes that advocacy is important at the federal, state, and local levels to raise awareness of libraries' value and secure necessary funding and support. While organizations like ALA and library associations advocate at higher levels, the document stresses that every library staff member and user should see themselves as advocates and work to articulate their library's importance to stakeholders. A variety of advocacy strategies are presented, but the overriding message is that advocacy is important and everyone should play a role.
This document provides an overview of Google News and related tools for staying up-to-date on current events and accessing archived news articles. It describes how Google News can be personalized based on user activity and preferences. It also introduces related Google services for receiving alerts on topics of interest, quickly browsing news articles, subscribing to RSS feeds, and searching historical news archives from various sources. The tools allow users to efficiently organize and access news both currently and retrospectively.
This document provides a summary of various free online tools that can be used for education purposes, including for creating quizzes, flashcards, word games, image generators, and conducting polls. It notes that many of these tools require creating a user account, have limited free features, or have age restrictions. Examples of specific tools are given for each category.
This document provides summaries of and links to various online tools across different categories:
1) Cellblock allows for instant multimedia publishing across websites, desktops, and mobile devices. Users can drag and drop files and embed content on other sites.
2) QuietTube allows users to watch videos without distractions by removing ads, comments, and other elements from videos.
3) Today's Meet enables backchannel conversations during presentations by allowing private audience comments, questions, and answers.
4) Several additional tools are listed for image search, scheduling meetings, cropping/resizing pictures, pronunciation help, reminders, screen recording, shortening URLs, speed reading, text-to-speech, checking website
Metronet is a consortium of libraries in the Twin Cities metropolitan area that was established in 1980. It is funded by the Minnesota state legislature and facilitates cooperation among different types of libraries. Metronet provides resources for librarians and the community on its website. It also offers continuing education scholarships, guides to library jobs and children's authors in Minnesota, and programs like History Day at local libraries and the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative for teachers.
1. +
Ignite the MLIS
Ann Walker Smalley
St. Catherine University MLIS Summit
May 2, 2011
2. +
In the Beginning
BFA, Art History, The Ohio State University
Research
Exhibit preparation from selection to catalog
MLS, Kent State University
Kent Public Library Practicum
State Library of Ohio, State Agency Reference
3. + State Library of Ohio: Library Development Division
Administrative Assistant to Head of Consultants
Research on library issues, library district
boundaries, library policies, and more
Consultation with local public libraries
LSCA grant oversight
Reference sub
Statewide Programming for Bicentennial
Long range planning
4. + Battelle Memorial Institute
Senior Research Consultant
Research on library service, library structure, library
networking
Creating recommendations for change & how to enact
change
“Earn your salary” with proposal writing
Clients
Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind &
Physically Handicapped
State Library of Virginia
State Library of Pennsylvania
Association of Research Libraries
5. + Aspen Systems: Department Housing & Urban
Development Library, Head of Public Service &
Law Library
First completely privatized federal library
Required a lot of team development
Management under stress
Relationship building
Proposal writing to maintain the contract
6. +
National Restaurant Association: Head
of Information Services & Library
Members only service
Small business questions with restaurateurs
Library-to-library questions from the big companies
(General Mills, Dominos, Miller, Coke, McDonalds…)
Manage writers for the research series
Wrote for RestaurantsUSA magazine
Worked in press room at the convention
Moved the library
7. +
Commonalities of All These Jobs
MLS
Responsible to contribute dollars directly to the
organization’s bottom line
Proposal responses/grant writing
Writing—reports, policies, plans
Public speaking
Public contact with clients & stakeholders
Consulting
8. +
Commonalities
Relationship building
Independent work & teamwork
Travel
Long range planning
Advocacy for personal advancement
Information as a commodity
Variety of responsibilities and projects
9. +
13-year Sabbatical from Libraries
Grant writing
Writing Products for sale—non-profit earned income
Curriculum writing
PBS Series Content Director
Freelance writing and editing for authors and publishers
Freelance writer for local publications
Contract research
10. +
More Odd Jobs
Summer Enrichment programming for K-10
Started afterschool program for Grades 6-8
Hmong National Organization language help
Desktop publishing
Newsletter production
Microbusiness in art fair world
11. +
All involved library skills
Information collection & research
Information analysis
Information organization
Information delivery
Information application
Content creation
12. +
Or skills learned as a librarian
Long range planning
Strategic thinking
Grant writing
Expository writing
Public speaking
Ability to learn independently—and quickly
Dealing with difficult people
13. +
What did I learn on this sabbatical
I really can apply my previous skills & experience in new
settings
Pay to play—volunteer, professional
associations, relationships, availability
More grant writing—Common application, non-library federal
grants, private foundations
Non-profit management
Value of earned income to organizations
Importance of personal & professional advocacy
How to work with Minnesotans
14. +
Re-entry into librarianship
State Library of Minnesota as multitype system consultant &
media program
An introduction to Minnesota libraries
How the library world changed
An instructive not-quite-a-year
Government shutdown
9/11
Strike
Layoff
15. +
WomenVenture
Time to re-examine
Self-analysis
Where to go next
Result
I do like bring a librarian and like library people
I want to stay connected to libraries
What next?
16. +
Freelance Librarian
Metronet
Check It Out studies of school library media programs
MILI development
SELCO/SELS
ELM database lesson plans
Senior Techies
Online help using screencasting
MELSA
Customer service workshop series
MLA/MEMO
Committees & presentations
Minnesota Library Council
17. +
Metronet Director
Ability to visualize projects
Find the funding
Develop partnerships
Reach out to all types of libraries
Present in multiple venues
18. +
Free Advice to Ignite the MLIS
Choose your supervisors and mentors wisely
Find lots of opportunities to determine your particular skills
Hone your skills
Stretch—write, present, share
Don’t be afraid to sell your skills (literally)
Advocate for yourself & libraries
Be involved in library and other associations
19. +
Get Out of the Library-centric Way
Of Thinking
Look outside libraries for
inspiration, procedures, services, training.
Work or volunteer somewhere else—experience how they do
things.
Define and re-define yourself.
Use libraries other than your own.
Do not spend your entire career in one job or in one place.
Expect and accept change—seek it out.
20. +
Once a Librarian,
Always a Librarian
Ann Walker Smalley, MLS
ann@metronet.lib.mn.us
@annws
651.646.0475
Editor's Notes
I knew I was going to library school—could take a lot of electives art and otherwise.
Beginning of advocacy—eeoc, state courts, dealing with library directors who seemed100 years old but probably are my age now. Great boss and mentor in Joe Shubert. Always looking at the future
tally your time business of consultingDevelop the “consultant mentality”—always a better way to do something, define what it is and how to implement it.Part of a team leader of a team—at the same timeMore advocacy for self
Moved in 1988 for a lot of reasons—never going to be a librarian again—salaries, schedules, flexibility
Sewing Farmers Market subculture
Disneyland
Part time (and still part time somewhere else) In addition to learning MN library structure—multitype, regional library systems, Minitex, consolidated vs federated, MLA MEMO and the 1800 other acronyms, I was like Rip Van Winkle. I had used libraries as a traditional library user and home Internet users Libraries looked the same on the outside, but tremendous change had come via Internet, ILS, technology, buildings expectations Fortunately, I am a fast learner—that consultant mentality of understanding an unfamiliar structure in a short amount of time.An entire career’s worth of exceptional events in 11 months.
So now what—I had let my clients go while I worked for the State Library, did I really want to be a librarian in Minnesota based on what I had learned about Minnesota libraries..Can’t say enough good about that WomenVenture program.
Minnesota Library Council MLA/MEMO presentations and committees volunteer research library legislative dayStay in the frame so people learned who I am and what I can do
Applied twiceThat part of every job description—must be able to work independently? Really the entire job for Metronet Director. No one really defining what we do or how we do it. Small buget means we must develop and maintain partnerships that advance libraries and librarianship.
We need to keep ourselves, our skills, and our institutions in front of people all the time. Some of the most effective librarians I know have done something else before being a librarian, taken a break form librarianship, or work part time somewhere else. Bookstore, target, courthouse, whatever. At the very least work in different settings and systems to expand your view of “how libraries work”