Survive and Thrive as a Library Director: Part 4 (Nov/Dec 2016)

Survive and Thrive: Friends, Vendors, Space and You

Show and Tell

Start with the purpose of your

Friends

Research the charter or articles of incorporation.

Feelings of ownership are great until they overtake the actual owner.

Never be absent from a Friends meeting!

Friends exist to help the library

• So why does it often feel like the opposite??

Best case scenario

1. Strong advocates2. Excitement about services3. Ownership4. Participation

Worst case scenario

1. Begging for funds2. One age group represented3. Exclusivity 4. Lack of fiduciary authority

Action to take

• Know what you want to happen• Start the conversation• Find a facilitator• Make it a win-win outcome

Case study

• The situation• The problem• The solution

Who is a Friend?

• The role of HR

Vendors

Troll the perimeter of the exhibit floor

Ask to speak to the owner

• Find out their focus.• Offer to beta test products

Their contract is written for them, not

youReview carefully and don’t accept their standard contract if it doesn’t meet represent your interests.

You’re the customer and you have power.

Negotiate!!!

Be careful who represents you

• Wrong staff like business agents or tech services can get you the wrong services and contract

• Make it a team approach

The power of space

Glass is your friend, big desks and stationary furniture are the enemy.

The new workplace norm

• Google photo

Ryerson (Ontario)University

Smart children’s space

• Don’t underestimate them like Hallmark does

Teen space—really?

What should/could people be doing?

No graffitiClean bathroomsBook security— ask why??Experiential learning spaces

Staff majority doesn’t rule but they can

participate

• Especially with color selection

What is your brand?

How do you feel when you enter? Anticipatory? Excitement? Serenity?

It’s just a clock, right?

Push for a unique designAny decisions should enforce your brand.

When is it time to leave?

Your position is not a life sentence!

Signs that it’s time

Our bodies, ourselves

Your supporters are gone

You look back and no one is there

Options

• Sabbatical• Another profession• Another position• Retirement

P.S.

• Coping with crying

• And practice, practice, practice

Practice until you can’t get it wrong.

More/over to you

Photos?

Make sure you have one before it’s needed.

An additional phone call?

Thank you!

To paraphrase Hill Street Blues: “Be great out there!”