| Friday Follow-up: a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director |
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Member Library Broadband Project Presented to Board of Regents and Commissioner of Education
This week I took my own advice from the April 8th Friday Follow-up. Rule #2: Get Out of the Library.
On Monday, I spent the morning doing some library advocacy on WJQZ Radio Wellsville. I enjoyed talking about STLS services, and the great work of Allegany County libraries. I also stopped by the David A. Howe Public Library to say hello to friends. Following my visits in Wellsville, I headed up to Hornell Library to meet with their board of trustees to discuss sustainable funding options and connecting their library to STN dark fiber. Another great STLS member library board!
Immediately following I was on the road to Albany. I spent the four hour drive thinking about STLS’ strategic planning process, and the fun-filled focus groups that will take place with our member libraries in the coming months. I promise you it will be amazing!
The purpose of my visit to Albany was to discuss how our member libraries are getting connected to the Southern Tier’s open access fiber network to improve broadband connectivity in our communities. I am usually not too nervous to present, or discuss libraries in front of audiences, but Tuesday’s presentation was in front of the NYS Board of Regents and Commissioner of Education. Despite not sleeping well the night before, I think Ken Behn, STLS director of IT, and I did pretty well.
While in Albany, I also had a chance to participate in a roundtable discussion at the New York Library Association. The intent was to start thinking about advocacy that could bring more State funds into the budgets of local libraries. It is certainly not an easy task, but library systems continually fight to gain more financial support to member libraries from the State.
I was exhausted when I got back into the office on Wednesday. However, meeting with the STLS board on Thursday got me re-energized and focused. Board meetings can be draining at times for both trustees and the library director. But, it is all about attitude. I always try to use board meetings as an opportunity to feed off my trustee’s commitment to volunteerism.
In closing, I would like to encourage all member librarians and trustees to subscribe to the NYLA Rural Libraries Round Table weekly eNewsletter called, The Best. Eli Guinnee, executive director of the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System is the editor, and the articles are created through library-submission. STLS member libraries and rural libraries from across the state can submit their own stories to be featured in The Best.
If you read past publications, you will notice several STLS member libraries and librarians have already been featured in the The Best. All you need to do is click here to subscribe. It is a great publication created by rural librarians for rural librarians to enhance rural library services in New York State. Check it out!
Have a fantastic weekend everyone. STLS continues to work tirelessly on your behalf.
Kindest Regards, Brian Hildreth, Executive Director Southern Tier Library System Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner |
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