From Michael – This is a reprint of a column originally published last year in Digitale Biblioteek. It was very nice to finally meet Jan in person at UGUL10. Jan: Hi Michael, I’ve read your long and rich Ten ways to encourage the tribe blogpost from the 17th of May. I think every librarian should read your story about how libraries and librarians can engage in and connect tribes or communities of shared interest. In this post you mention several important sources of inspiration, such as Peter Block, Howard Rheingold and Seth Godin. You also named the book The Cluetrain […]
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From Michael – This is a reprint of a column originally published last year in Digitale Biblioteek. Michael Stephens and Jan Klerk pick up their Twitter conversation again talking about Learning 2.0, education and what librarians should do in the future. Spreading All Over the World JK As u described in your research proposal, Learning2.0 has become a worldwide phenomenon. It’s also very popular in Dutch libraries. MS I am very excited about the Aussie Learning 2.0 research ? I would be very interested to expand to the Netherlands next! MS Because I’ve watched the programs blossom from afar. Rob […]
Note: This is the second column I co-wrote with Jan Klerk for Digitale Bibliotek last year. I realized it was one of the first times I’ve discussed the backchannel in my classes in print. Michael Stephens and Jan Klerk did their open conversation this time on microblog platform Twitter. The topic was of course… Twitter and Libraries. INTRODUCTION MS Jan- I’ve been thinking about librarians using Twitter as medium 4 collaboration & as info space. Have u seen this? JK I see a small but growing group Dutch librarians just over- came prejudices & are experimenting. How it’s in the […]
Jan: Hi Michael, I’ve read your beautiful and very inspiring series about the Transparent Library with Michael Casey in Library Journal. In the series’ first article you wrote: “What prevents a library from being transparent? Barriers. Roadblocks. Inability to change. The culture of perfect. The transparent library contains three key elements: open communication, adapting to change, and scanning the horizon. We’ll explore these ideas and offer solutions for those struggling with new models of service, technology, and a decidedly opaque climate. The web has changed the old landscape of top-down decisions.” “As the web becomes the greatest word-of-mouth amplifier in history, consumers […]
By Michael Casey & Michael Stephens We’ve been writing this column for more than two years, and though it’s been a wonderful experience, it’s time to move on to other projects and topics. We appreciate the feedback we’ve received on the LJ site, via emails, and in person—including all of those wonderful “please keep this anonymous” stories.” Since April 2007, we’ve seen the rise of Twitter, the closing of libraries, and the burgeoning of social applications, among numerous changes. One constant: an open, flowing conversation is best to involve and engage everyone. In closing this column, we present one more […]
By Michael Casey & Michael Stephens We think it’s good news that the Rangeview Library District, CO, is experimenting in one of its branches with an alternative to Dewey. MC: I started highlighting Dewey’s failings when I was helping build and open a new branch library. I asked the many contractors and vendors if they used the library. Many responded that they had gone as kids but that they never continued use into adulthood. Many said they went to the book superstores but had given upon the library. Why? Coffee, collection, and classification. Today’s busy, working adults want to find […]
By Michael Casey & Michael Stephens Now, more than ever we need to deliver our best customer service. No library users should walk away feeling that their questions or needs were not fully addressed. No teen should come to the reference desk only to be met by a sarcastic answer and a hand gesturing them to some distant region of the stacks. No senior should be expected to use our newest technology without being offered a training session. Is this hard in today’s tighter economic times? Absolutely. Time is at a premium, as is money, but right now you need […]
By Michael Casey & Michael Stephens These may be tough times, but libraries are more important than ever. We find reasons for optimism and also offer advice to new graduates. Libraries are going through some difficult times right now. What gives you hope? MS: Libraries are forging ahead with low-cost technologies and new initiatives. Many nimble librarians are adapting quickly to the current economic climate, offering access to government programs, résumé workshops, and projects centered around saving money. We can and do think on our feet. MC: I’m encouraged by the number of libraries that offer training classes in various […]
By Michael Casey & Michael Stephens We’ve been writing the Transparent Library for two years, so it’s time for some more thumbs up and thumbs down. Jeers to the five board members at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, KS, for voting yes to restrict four books about sex. This does not help library users-who shouldn’t have to face barriers in seeking such books-or public perception of their community. Cheers to the director and librarians at the Topeka library for fighting the good fight to maintain a well-balanced, useful, and inclusive collection for all. Cheers to the library in Fox […]
We’ve written about ideas for improving customer service, boosting staff morale, fostering change, and building a management and communication style that is win-win for both staff and administration. Almost everything we’ve discussed has, as its only cost, time–necessary to plan, implement, and review. There are no expensive technologies to purchase, no cutting-edge software to struggle with, and no $500-an-hour consultants. Our suggestions involve listening, dialog, and transparent actions. Trust is the underlying concept. Communication is its foundation. Read the whole column here.