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Location: September 15, 2010 Meeting
Discussion: Re: Sept. 15 Meeting Notes
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Posted Anonymously |
Re: Sept. 15 Meeting Notes
Sep 18 2010, 8:47 PM EDT
This list was disturbing to read. Surprising that there are so many people who are still holding on to so much distrust and discontent. Yes we've had bad times but I feel things are improving in many ways. I say this even understanding that workloads are the same or larger for a smaller workforce. 1. LSSI! Worry about being privatized: I believe that this is on everyone's mind. People are even applying for jobs elsewhere. Once we're past this worry I think people will feel more comfortable moving forward with the strategic plan. 2. Staff are winging it in the absence of leadership.: I think one thing that would help is if we could get the LII supsissue sorted out and get admin. more help. 3. We don't have a regular Ref. meeting like we do for Circ.: These meetings were helpful. "Stump the Librarians" is a start towards something like them happening again. 4. Inconsistent messages across the system - especially supervisors. All need to be on the same page.: Having the minutes to meetings posted ASAP helps. Everyone then gets the same news in the same way & time. 5. To address staff stress and tension: A gripe session partnered with an "overcoming stress/laughter is the best medicine" workshop. 6. I think that ALL staff should be made to work branches outside of their area - e.g. City staff should work Co. branches for a 2-3 days and vice versa, then talk about it. People could share experiences for better understanding. 7. De-professionalism of librarians.: There are few professional growth opportunities offered to Librarians & they are high paid shelvers. 8. Remind staff of all that they have accomplished in past years, show their dedicated efforts above and beyond and asked what they see as the future of SSJCPL then empower them to make changes, not pressure them to. Too much pressure already. Do you find this valuable? |
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civillibrarian |
1. RE: Re: Sept. 15 Meeting Notes
Sep 19 2010, 12:43 PM EDT
Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback! I agree with your first comment that this meeting came off, in the notes, as very negative. However, after talking with a couple of the members, I was reminded that these comments do not necessarily represent actual opinions from those present. The list of comments in the notes is simply a brainstorming session of possible opinions that staff throughout the system might feel in response to the questions asked. Does that make sense? In other words, the members were basically trying to imagine the worst case scenario of what people might still be feeling.In direct response to some of your comments: 1. Yes, yes, yes! We have this cloud hanging over our head and that makes it difficult to be forward thinking. I get that completely. I don't think I'd be doing my job, though, if I took a "let's wait and see" approach whenever uncertainty arose. Please don't misunderstand, all the stress folks are feeling around this subject is merited; it's just that I have to keep planning to keep us moving forward. 2. Can you clarify re: the "LII sups issue"? And, unfortunately for me, Admin isn't getting any more help until branches have lessened workloads. 3. We can definitely do this. It's funny to see how quickly the Wednesday mornings got filled up with meetings. Goes to show that we needed this time...(thanks to Susan J. for clueing me in)! 4. Again, we can do this. We need to; you are right. 5. Sounds interesting. What would it look like? If you want to plan it, let me know the details and we'll make it happen. 6. Spending even a small amount of time working in other locations is a great way to get new ideas about workflow, refresh yourself, see friends you don't see as often as you'd like, and expand your own adaptability. I'll get back to everyone shortly with a plan. Do you find this valuable? |
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civillibrarian |
2. RE: Re: Sept. 15 Meeting Notes
Sep 19 2010, 12:51 PM EDT
| Post edited: Sep 19 2010, 12:52 PM EDT
The wiki told me I talk too much. I had to start a new reply because of too many characters.7. We definitely don't offer enough in the way of professional development opportunities. This is precisely why I created our Trainer position. Having this position in-house allows for more affordable training since we can't afford to send everyone to ALA. Rena is just gearing up and will have, over time, a very nice slate of home-grown opportunities. We'll also have available very shortly a wealth of online trainings through LE@D Online. We've already ordered the sessions and are now just waiting for the company to receive our Purchase Order from the City. 8. Boy, I sure don't want to be seen as "pressuring" anyone to make changes. The whole point of things like this wiki is to empower staff to share their own vision of our future and to empower them to plan for appropriate changes. Hopefully others will have the same perspective. I do, though, sometimes feel as though I'm trying to change the way we do everything at SSJCPL. That isn't because staff haven't done a good job in the past. I know how dedicated everyone is at SSJCPL. Rather, I think my inclination to bring about so many new things is the result of a combination of two factors. First, I'm just, by nature, a person who sees opportunities for innovation and who loves to see those opportunities through to fruition. Second, the formal leadership at SSJCP has not made a concerted effort to keep up with the leading edge of public library development. As a group, we can make this library one that is truly seen as a model. Do you find this valuable? |
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Posted Anonymously |
3. RE: Re: Sept. 15 Meeting Notes
Sep 20 2010, 4:24 PM EDT
2. Can you clarify re: the "LII sups issue"? And, unfortunately for me, Admin isn't getting any more help until branches have lessened workloads.What I meant is that I thought admin. was going to take a look at the situation as it is now that ALL LIIs MUST being supervisors and possibly make a change in this area. If this situation was different or changed than it might free up some funds to help somewhere else. My additional comment about getting you more help is not meant to mean that we do not need more help in the trenches, I was just responding to the statement that "Staff are winging it in the absence of leadership." Either this means that there is not enough leadership personnel or that staff may feel that those in leadership are not leading. Since I believe that Pam and you are leading us and we lost both LDM positions and two Supervising Librarian positions I thought that more help at the top would make a difference. Do you find this valuable? |
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civillibrarian |
4. RE: Re: Sept. 15 Meeting Notes
Sep 20 2010, 5:01 PM EDT
OK, thanks. I'll be looking into the LII question; I know there is a lot of interest surrounding this. As to more help at the top making a difference, I think it could but I think more help in public services positions is the most pressing need right now.
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