I went to one of the two mexican restaurants  in town for lunch with some friends the other day.  We greeted by a friendly waiter who took us to the corner we requested and brought our menus immediately.  He came back and took our orders, brought them to us very quickly and checked in often even though we were in corner away from a most of the other diners. 

The service we receive at this restaurant is always incredible, it is one of the main reasons I like to eat there, though the food is very good too.  When you receive service like this, it makes you realize people come to places where the service is helpful, courteous and willing to give their all.  I hope people see the same willingness to help when they come to our Library

PLMI Post OP

Well, the week is over this year, but more to do.  It has been a very intensive and eye-opening, we did things that made no sense to start with, less in the middle, perfect when we were done.  We met people from different environments, but managed to all get along without much trouble.  We laughed, we cried and a few even screamed I believe. Overall though, I believe we did what we do everyday, we survived and thrived, life in the library is rarely easy or slow for most of us.  I know that the experiences I had there will carry over to my life in the library, whether time management (think Pomodoro) or closing my eyes and remembering why I love my job (thanks Dr. Self).  The part on  professionalism in my life is something to consider long and hard, look at closely and see what appears.  I really enjoyed the history lessons on the library system in Tennessee, especially since I'm working on the history of my Library.

You did a great job Heather and Laura keeping us in line and busy.  The presenters were great, loved Kia and Dr. Self.  Heather kept everything moving along at a good clip and didn't let us get bored or restless.  Overall it was great experience with great real world knowledge and information, shared with new friends.  Hope to see everyone again next year!!

PLMI Day 4

    Today was as intense as the three before, full days and homework every night. I think most of us were starting show cracks because of the intensity and sleep deprivation.  But, we all know it is needed information and will make us better Directors in the end.

      Today Team 5, Gail, Amanda, Crystal, Jill and myself were the assigned the topic of Direct from the Pillar of Management.  It would seem easy enough to do this but being the overachievers we are, we all seemed to focus on Motivation and Empowerment as the central focus for this.  Every topic seems to stem from these two points.   Gail did an incredible job presenting the ideas.

PLMI 3

What surprised you about this experience?

Kathy S. was vibrant & well spoken well spoken.  She does things a little out of the box, but the introspection exercise was very instructive.

What touched you about this experience?

Being paired with Gail and talking about our experiences and realizing that we all have universal truths in our stories.

What inspired you about this experience?

Understanding that a servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.  Hopefully I will be able to pull elements of this into my leadership style.

PLMI Day 2

Today was about Professionalism, interesting topic mostly about self-improvement of yourself and your Library.  We had Kia Jarmon as a speaker, introducing us to personal DNA or branding.  It was informative and about self-promotion of yourself “If you aren’t your biggest fan, who is?” is probably one of my favorites quotes this month.  We need to apply for awards and accolades, the more we have the more we are being seen publicly.  Along with the awards, also join community groups so people in the community see us as being active not just within the library setting.

We also talked about all the different hats Library Directors wear, to name just a few:  storyteller, planner, organizer, negotiator, educator, manager, fundraiser, advocate, salesperson, referee, and public speaker, WHEW, tired just looking at that list.

 

Then we get homework:

I AM

Iam your librarian who tries to give you the tools and knowledge you need to help yourself and our community.

What are changes you will make to improve the Professional image of yourself and/or your library?

                Better telephone etiquette, public relations campaign, better time management, join                 community groups for more exposure, signs in library, dress of myself and employees.

More tomorrow!

Interview with Cindy

     I recently had the chance to talk with Cindy N., Director of the Giles County Public Library.  Giles County has a main branch, the Giles County Public Library and two Branch Libraries at Lynnville and Elkton.  Cindy has lived in several places through the years before settling in Pulaski including Petersburg and Murfreesboro where she was a banker for 11 years.  Her banking experience led to her part-time financial work at the local library in 2009 and becoming Director in April 2013. Cindy graduated from Tennessee Tech, has been married for 25 years and has twin boys.

A few of the questions asked:

What do you think the greatest invention is and why?   

Cindy – Electricity, because it is what powers our world.

If you could go on a road trip with any person, who would it be and where would you go?

                Cindy –with her husband of 25 years, Milton, because  we would like to travel together.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

                Cindy – Jamie Summers, the Bionic Woman a strong female role model.

What is the farthest you have been from home?

                Cindy – During high school, I traveled to Europe with my German Class.  We stayed in

                               Germany, Switzerland and Austria, had an incredible time and enjoyed it greatly.

 

Would you be willing to live “off the Grid"?                                                                                                     

Cindy – No, I enjoy modern conveniences such as electricity, air conditioning and plumbing.

     We had an interesting interview and I have to say on the last question, I totally agree with you Cindy, I like my conveniences.

PLMI Training Monday Morning Boot Camp

     Heather and Lana met us with a big smile and warm welcome this morning.  After a group introduction we moved on and were given a tote bag with our notebook and part of the paperwork we will be using over the next three years.  Then came the speakers, both outstanding in their own ways.

     Don Reynolds was the first speaker introduced, speaking about core values for libraries.  He was an excellent speaker with a great voice and repartee with his audience.  He spoke about the early history of the American Libraries, how to deal with criticism, Mary Utopia Rothrock and America’s Right to Libraries.  Also on how as a Director we reflect on our libraries, for us to remember that we must be servant-oriented.  One quote in particular stuck in my mind “If they are saying I didn’t know the library did that, it means you (the director) aren’t doing your job keeping people informed.”

      Lynnette Sloane, the Director of Regional Libraries, was our next speaker.  I have heard her speak on several occasions, finding her always knowledgeable and well spoken.  She gave a brief history of the Regional Library System and powered through even with some tech problems.  She explained the Regional Library System and its role working with Public Libraries in an advisory relationship.  That it works with our Library Boards and Municipal/County governments through Service Agreements. 

     

Later we watched a movie about the beginning of Libraries in Tennessee, very entertaining, probably from the early 1950’s.   Then several of us watched the first of the Librarian movies, featuring Noah Wylde.  

More tomorrow.