An exploration of the Open+ system at Gwinnett County Public Library and a broader view of staff communication and buy in: What if something were to happen? Have you encountered this issue as you plan to roll out a new service or a big change to existing services? Maybe it’s prompted a sign or two to go up in the library, such as a book cart I recently saw at a library out east, emblazoned with a STAFF ONLY notice. Did that begin with the thought that “someone might take that book cart for a joy ride…”? I recorded a […]
Contributors Michael Stephens
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This “Office Hours” column explores how we can approach emerging and already here technology as an early adopter or and adapter. Be open to tech innovations and change. You don’t have to accept every “next big thing” but at least be aware of it. Did you just hear about beacon technology? Follow up with a web search to see how libraries are using it. Seeing the practical use of an emerging tech might balance out the initial wow factor to put it in its proper place as part of a toolkit of options. Just hearing about QR codes? Feel free […]
How can we welcome everyone into our spaces during these times? Could you partner with a local restaurant or more for a soup night of your own at the library? For those libraries with a community kitchen or access to one, inviting people in to participate in cooking or serving one another or cleaning up, all while commiserating, might help to create some connectedness. Perhaps pair the event with a Human Library program, in which patrons can “check out” a person of a different race, a different religion, different political beliefs, or different sexual orientation for a brief discussion in […]
This column explores balancing technology with services and people. Services to the vulnerable and technology offerings are not polar opposites. Librarians have to stop seeing it that way. These are all points on a continuum, and without technological skills, some folks will fall right back into the world out of which they’re desperately trying to pull themselves. Technology is not some future we have the option of ignoring—it is the present. It’s the world in which we live. There will always be people who need to be directed to housing resources, but those are not the majority of our users. […]
This column is based on my contributions to our workshop at Next Library 2017. How do we “build a librarian” for 21st-century information work? It’s an ongoing discussion in libraries and LIS programs that has many sides and a range of opinion. Some argue that while library school offers the foundations, theories, and service concepts of the profession, on-the-job experience seasons the information professional for doing the work. I would argue it is a mix of all of these things and more. How do we insure the folks serving our varied constituents have the skill sets and attitudes required? Submitted […]
At Next Library 2017 in Aarhus, Denmark at the incredible Dokk1 library, I co-hosted a workshop with Mylee Joseph and Jan Holmquist. I also did an Ignite session called “The Heart of Librarianship.” Download the Ignite Session slides. (I planned the talk with a mind map style diagram to help keep me on track – download the slides too if interested.) The video above highlights that experience – I was absolutely honored to be interviewed. Thanks Next Library! Selected “Office Hours” columns cited: Seek a Challenge Talk About Compassion Dream. Explore. Experiment. Color Me Curious Library as Classroom Library Emoji Learning […]
From Michael: Greetings all! I am thrilled to be traveling to Denmark next week for the Next Library Conference in Aarhus at the Dokk1 library. One of the most resonating statements I have heard in recent years came from Dokk1’s Marie Østergård at PLA in 2016: “We don’t hire for librarians or nonlibrarians but based on competencies,” Østergård said. “You must be ready to work hard and meet people all day.” I am looking forward to sharing some ideas about skills and mindset in a workshop I am co-teaching with Jan Holmquist, Assistant Library Director, Guldborgsund Public Library in Denmark and Mylee […]
My new column is up at Library Journal exploring the impact of podcasts and how libraries can respond. What do I listen to now? More than a few folks shared this sentiment online in the days following the release of “S-Town,” a podcast hosted by Brian Reed and created by the producers of “Serial” and “This American Life.” It topped ten million–plus downloads within four days of release. I binged all seven episodes over spring break and found the series to be a moving, insightful, and well-conceived piece of audio journalism. Podcasting has experienced a renaissance of content, production values, […]
I was honored to serve on the expert panel for the 2017 Horizon Report Library Edition. Please download the report and take a look.
Just a note to say how much I appreciate this programming idea from Anythink Libraries: One kind word can warm three winter months To help spread kindness and compassion throughout the community, Anythink will host the One Kind Word Project this Feb. 6-11, 2017. Inspired by a Japanese proverb – One kind word can warm three winter months – this weeklong initiative invites community members to write notes of kindness to strangers. Materials for creating these custom cards will be provided at each Anythink location, where they will then be collected and distributed to organizations across Adams County in an […]