The Friday Follow-up: Directors Lay Groundwork for 2017 & 2018

December 2, 2016 By Brian Hildreth With no comments yet
Friday Follow-up:
a message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director
Directors Lay Groundwork for 2017 & 2018

 

(L-R) Angela Gonzalez, Nic Gunning and Carol Berry discuss the idea of a director mentorship program along with STLS’ capabilities to serve as a resource clearing house. How can members share resources without inventing something that already exists?

 

I have said several times how much I enjoyed this past summer’s member library focus groups. It feels like they took place decades ago. Yet, earlier this week I was reminded of the experience during our Directors Advisory Council (DAC) meeting.

 

On Wednesday, nine directors of the DAC met at Dormann Library to develop specific goals for 2017 and 2018. The session was facilitated by STLS Consultant Margo Gustina and followed a similar format of our Plan of Service focus groups. The DAC used defined priorities created by directors, staff and trustees of our member libraries to work through some possible near term goals.

 

I want to thank each individual who participated. The outcomes of this session can be credited to: Carol Berry (Dormann Library-Bath), Angela Gonzalez (Penn Yan Public Library), Nic Gunning (Howe Library-Wellsville), Segrid Dombroski (Dundee Library), Karen Smith (Whitesville Library), Karen McKerlie (Bedient Memorial Library-Branchport), Pauline Emery (Southeast Steuben County Library-Corning), Chris Corter (Chemung County Library District) and Ron Shaw (Chemung County Library District).

 

(L-R) Karen McKerlie, Segrid Dombroski and Karen Smith talk about the need for assistance to help smaller libraries do outreach. How do we embed ourselves at the farmers market when we are a staff of one and are required to work the circulation desk?

 

After two hours of healthy and productive discussion, the DAC aimed their focus on growing a mentorship program for directors as well as creating resources to assist libraries with programs and advocacy. Although these were goals prioritized as actionable for the near future, the DAC did a fantastic job of drafting other objectives that can be pursued at a later time.

 

The initial copy of these goals will be made available to the membership in the coming weeks. I encourage all directors and staff to have a look. I think you will find the priorities are inclusive to all member libraries and shall help our members grow closer together as an outfit committed to stellar public library service.

 

(L-R) Pauline Emery, Chris Corter and Ron Shaw work through high-level discussion pertaining to an informed citizenry. Libraries need to be visible and assist communities by weeding through challenging social issues. How do we get a seat at the table when key decisions are made about our community? Our libraries needs to be visible and involved.

 

I will add, the DAC’s work has certainly contributed to the STLS Plan of Service 2017 – 2021. Our Strategic Planning Team is now drafting this plan based on member libraries’ feedback. We are excited to unveil the plan in the first quarter of 2017. It is our hope you will be impressed with our many achievable aspirations. And, we encourage you to hold us to our commitments. In the end, our members will be positively impacted for a stronger community.

 

Have a great weekend, STLS. Thank you for your efforts. We are making a cooperative difference!

 

Kindest Regards,

Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System

Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog

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