It has been two weeks since my last Friday Follow-up. I sincerely try to write each week. But, when you are engaged with member libraries (4 board meetings and 5 library visits in 10 days); you prioritize to the best of your abilities.
This week I am going to keep it simple. I have spent the last 13 years working in rural libraries, so I feel I have a good grasp on what works and what doesn’t. Below are 5 things I believe all library directors and boards can do to improve their library’s capacity.
1. Foster the Director and Board Relationship: I know all of you have heard this before. But, having served under 4 different boards and witnessing how all of you work together, this one is significant! Services suffer when this relationship is toxic. Library staff, patrons and community members know when the director and board aren’t working together. It adversely impacts programs, procedures and most importantly customer service.
2. Get Out of Your Library: I once met a library director who spent most of her time locked in her office away from staff, patrons and the community. This is no good! Directors are their libraries’ ambassadors. They need to be visible. This means getting out of the office to be with staff, volunteers and patrons, and out of the library to meet with community groups, agencies and government.
This applies to trustees too. Get out of the board room. Yes, policy development and budgets are important, but some of the most effective work a trustee can do is get a library card and actually participate in library programs. Or, advocate for the library in town hall, school, church and the grocery store.
3. Program Like Heck: Yes, I know we are libraries. We are synonymous with books. I can’t tell you how many times my family members tag me on Facebook with inspiring quotes about books. I “Like” their well-intended posts, but I didn’t get into library work because of books. I did it because I love people. The present day core mission of public libraries is about bringing people together. Forget about the books for just a moment and focus on offering great programs that attract people to the library. They will naturally gravitate towards your collections once you get them hooked on services.
4. Utilize Your Library System: Last time I checked, more than 80% of state library aid goes to the library system. There is a reason for this. Library systems provide a high level of efficiency and ROI for member libraries. I’m not saying this because I am a library system director. And, I do believe local libraries should receive much more funding from the state. However, as a member library director I knew the system provided my community with resources I couldn’t provide on my own. Your community will benefit greatly when you utilize library system services as often as possible.
5. Never Take Yourself Too Seriously: I feel like this should be termed Leadership 101. We are going to make mistakes. We are going to make them often. But, the last thing you want to do is take yourself too seriously. Directors and trustees prohibit themselves from innovating when they strictly focus on minimizing mistakes. Risk is what makes librarianship so great. We work in a field that encourages us to experiment. Who cares if a new program has low attendance or that a new genre never circulates. We won’t know what is successful if we don’t try.
6. Ask For Funding Increases Annually: Okay. I know I said 5 things, but this one should be on every list. Libraries can’t sustain if they can’t breathe. Funding is oxygen to libraries. Every director and trustee will tell you their biggest challenge is funding. No kidding. So, let’s stop talking about this challenge and do what every government or business does to thrive. We know our schools and municipalities ask for increases every year out of necessity. We know businesses raise prices when their costs increase. Why should the library business model be any different?
I hope this is helpful in some way?
Thank you STLS for your continued support and many efforts. I have been traveling a lot lately to visit with all of you. I see how well you build up our community and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. You are my daily inspiration! Keep up the good work.
Kindest Regards,
Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System
Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog
