Category Archives: Management

Enjoy your job

Posted on September 7, 2012 by

There are things that I enjoy a lot about my new position as Assistant Director. For the first time in many years, I have some quiet, private space to work, and that makes it possible to wrap my head around … Continue reading →

Posted in Management, Public libraries, Youth Services | 3 Comments

Service with a Scowl

Posted on August 18, 2012 by

When you’re working at a public service desk as public librarians usually do, you are somewhat at the mercy of the public. We have all had experiences where we were trapped by someone who just wants to chat. We have … Continue reading →

Posted in customer service, Management, Public libraries | 4 Comments

Rhythmic Gymnastics, my new role model

Posted on August 13, 2012 by

Up until yesterday, I thought of rhythmic gymnastics as that weird event with the ribbons–basically, the Summer Olympics’ equivalent to curling in the Winter Olympics. But watching yesterday, I was blown away.  They weren’t just flipping ribbons around in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Management, Public libraries, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Thirty years of being a children’s librarian

Posted on July 8, 2012 by

Oddly enough, right as I am celebrating the 30th anniversary of graduating from library school (IU Bloomington) and beginning work at the Edgebrook Branch of the Chicago Public Library, I have just begun a new job where my primary role … Continue reading →

Posted in Management, Public libraries, Reviewing, Uncategorized, Youth Services | 4 Comments

Finished!

Posted on December 17, 2011 by

I just turned in my last assignment for my Buildings course. Coincidentally, I now have time to write my blog again! It was fun! It turned out to be really interesting to be learning new things, and exploring my library … Continue reading →

Posted in CPLA, Management, Public libraries, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

If you build it, they will (or won’t) come

Posted on May 7, 2011 by

Last night, I attended the annual Zena Sutherland Lecture at the Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago. It was, as always, a delightful occasion. This year, the author speaking was the brilliant and very funny Mo Willems. And that was … Continue reading →

Posted in Management, Parents, Programs, Uncategorized, Youth Services | Leave a comment

Picture books in bins

Posted on October 21, 2010 by

I’m reading Libraries Designed for Kids by Nolan Lushington (Neal-Schuman, 2008). It’s mostly practical and interesting, but it repeats the same ridiculous opinion several times. I hear library directors (not my own, fortunately!) repeating it too. Here’s how it goes: … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's books, Management, Parents, Public libraries, Youth Services | 8 Comments

Why have libraries? part 2

Posted on September 28, 2010 by

I’ve posted before about how much I love weeding. It’s extremely satisfying to pull outdated books off of the shelf. You can congratulate yourself on getting old, yucky material off of the shelves, and you can go work on finding … Continue reading →

Posted in Collection Development, Management, Public libraries, Youth Services | Leave a comment

Why have libraries?

Posted on September 17, 2010 by

Okay, I’ll admit it…I am a little annoyed. My library is in the process of working on strategic planning, so we have a consultant for that, and we also are working with an architect.  These are both good guys, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's books, Collection Development, Management, Public libraries | 4 Comments

Forgetfulness

Posted on July 21, 2010 by

In the past few days I have not just looked at but done something with 3 email accounts, two PBWorks wikis, three blogs (this one, the library’s, and my Youth Services dept’s), the Museum Adventure Pass database, ALA, Midwest Tapes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Information Overload, Management, Public libraries | 1 Comment