Workplace Leadership and Learning

Leadership

Workplace Learning & Leadership: A Handbook for Library and Nonprofit Trainers
By Lori Reed and Paul Signorelli

Congratulations to my good friends Lori Reed and Paul Signorelli on the publication of their new book: Workplace Learning & Leadership: A Handbook for Library and Nonprofit Trainers, published by ALA Editions.

I am honored to have been interviewed for the book, and humbled to be in the company of the other distinguished interviewees including:

  • Helene Blowers, Director of Digital Strategy, Columbus Metropolitan Library
  • Char Booth, Instruction Services Manager & E-Learning Librarian, Claremont Colleges Library
  • Maurice Coleman, Technical Trainer, Harford County Library
  • Janet Hildebrand, Library Human Resources Manager, Contra Costa County Library
  • Jason Puckett, Communication Librarian at Georgia State University Library
  • Sandra Smith, Learning and Development Manager at Denver Public Library
  • Jay Turner, Director of Continuing Education for the Georgia Public Library Service
  • Catherine Vaughn, Continuing Education Coordinator, Lee County Library System
  • Pat Wagner, Pattern Research, Inc, Denver, CO
  • Louise Whitaker, Coordinator Training & Staff Development, Pioneer Library System

I’ve read through the book twice, and I’m sure I’ll be going back to it again and again.  The book is a must have for anyone doing training and staff development.  But at heart I think the book is a primer on leadership, which happens to overlay neatly with the skills and mindset required to be an effective teacher/facilitator.  Strategic thinking, listening,  big-picture thinking, partnering, engaging and empowering others– these are the themes that emerge and re-emerge in conversations throughout the book.  I highly recommend it!

Allen County Public Library’s "Conversation Series" Video

Interviews, Keynotes, Leadership, Presentations

I am honored to have been included in Allen County Public Library’s Conversation Series, “a collection of interviews about the future of libraries, technology and the role we play in shaping the libraries of tomorrow.”  Thank you to ACPL’s Sean Robinson and Kay Gregg for inviting me to participate in the series and for creating such a beautifully produced video.

The importance of keeping the customer at the center

Customer Experience, Customer Service

David Rothman has written* a beautiful, concise “Manifesto of Common Sense Librarianship”.   I’m not much for manifestos, but I dig this one not only for its content, but for the way it actually walks its own talk. It is clear, concise, and written in a simple yet engaging voice. It’s got style AND substance.  For example,

“If you can find something that your library is regarding as more important than user needs, something is very wrong.”

Bravo!   Head on over to David’s blog to read the rest: Common Sense Librarianship: An Ordered List Manifesto.

* David notes that the manifesto resulted “from conversations with really smart and insightful people like Amy Buckland, Kathryn Greenhill, Jenica Rogers, and Maurice Coleman.”  Tip o’ the hat to all y’all.