Blog Archives

Measuring the Impact of Library Services

I recently sat in a on a conference call in which one of the topics of discussion was Project Outcome. I would like to provide a few details with regards to this new initiative from the Public Library Association. What is it? Project Outcome is a tool that helps public libraries understand and share the impact of

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Friday Follow-up: Library Bill of Rights Guides Member Libraries’ Tough Decisions

Friday Follow-up: a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director Library Bill of Rights Guides Member Libraries’ Tough Decisions    Pauline Emery (kneeling – center), is the Library Director at Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning. Here she is pictured talking with community members at the library as part of an Ask Exercise to develop her

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Peer Learning and the Public Library

Just over a year ago, I presented some information on MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and how they fit in the public library’s efforts to promote continuous learning (a related blog article is available here). A more recent development in this area is the availability of a Facilitator Handbook for Learning Circles (https://www.p2pu.org/assets/uploads/learning_circle_downloads/facilitator_handbook.pdf) created by Chicago Public

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Brush Up on your Computer Skills

Looking to improve your”techie” skills to increase your productivity in the workplace? Here are a few resources that can help you tap into your inner computer geek. Tech-Talk is a new resource available to all STLS member library staff through South Central Regional Library Council (it will be available at least through June 2017, with the possibility of

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Social Media News: Facebook Takes the Lead

According to a recent Pew Research Report, 62% of U.S. adults get news on social media. Most (44%) say they get news from Facebook, followed by YouTube and Twitter. Of those who get news on at least one of the social media sites, 64% get news on just one (most commonly Facebook). What does this mean for

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2016 STLS Awards and Scholarships

    2016 STLS Awards and Scholarships   STLS is pleased to announce this year’s opportunities for awards and scholarships. Member library boards are encouraged to nominate their great directors and volunteers. Member library directors are encouraged to nominate their amazing staff and volunteers. Everyone and anyone is encouraged to nominate the greatness that is

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The Value of Making

This week, Lorie and I have been working on getting things together for a maker event, Making on a Dime, to be held at the Delevan-Yorkshire Public Library. Our efforts have included the purchase of materials, research, brainstorming and some tinkering. As I type this post, I am even printing an object on our 3D printer for

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Libraries and Learning

The Pew Research Center recently published a report on Libraries and Learning. Here are some key takeaways from the report: The Good The report shows that 76% of American adults feel that libraries serve the educational needs of their communities (71% say they serve their own personal needs and the needs of their families). Also, an overwhelming

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Friday Follow-up: Never Take Yourself Too Seriously

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

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Competencies for Information Professionals

As sort of a follow-up to my last blog post on continuous learning, I would like to explore some important librarian competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors for successful job performance). I find it is helpful to have specific competencies in mind when pursuing professional development opportunities. Of course, one excellent resource is the Competency Index for

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