May 3rd will be my last day at the Boston Public Library before moving to Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I’m sad to leave Boston and my patrons, but am excited for my family’s new adventure!
As I’ve been finishing my time at my branch, I’ve tried to take steps that will help my Branch Librarian and whomever my replacement is. Since at some point, we all leave our jobs, I thought I would share some things I’ve done, that may help you get the ball rolling. I should also share that this shouldn’t necessarily be done in a vacuum. If you are comfortable communicating with them, ask your Branch Librarian what would be helpful to them. I also included the Head of Youth Services in this conversation.
- Compile a list of performers, community partners, outreach sites, and schools you have worked with. Share their contact information, the cost of the program if applicable, and any notes that you may have. Would you work with this performer again? Does Ms. Fitzgerald bring her class every year at the same time? These little notes will be helpful when it comes to finding just the right person for a Monday AM concert or organizing that class visit schedule. Share this document with your Branch Librarian, and any outreach coordinators.
- If you are able to, book some programming that can happen without the need of other staff. Just because you are not there, does not mean the patrons suddenly disappear. I was able to plan for some outside performers and coordinate our block-booked programs for the Summer, so that there’s one less thing to worry about. This may also giving the new person a little leeway in getting their programming routine going, if your system is able to fill your position quickly.
- Tie up loose ends for programs. Author visit coming up? Hire someone to lead preschool yoga? If you are able to, prepare your fliers and fill out any necessary paperwork to get those individuals paid before you leave. My current Library hosts a giant annual party where we give out books to kids. I’ve spent the past month and a half getting things in order for that day, even though it will happen after I leave.
- Specific housekeeping. Have you been meaning to go through those extra ARCs from conference and give them to the 5th grade English teacher? Now’s the chance to do that. The person after you may not have a use for them (or the markers with the mismatched tops), and I am sure we can all relate to sometimes feeling overwhelmed with all the things to go through when we start some place new.
- Say goodbye. Not just to your patrons, but your coworkers. We all learn something from one another, even if personalities don’t always mesh. Take a moment to reflect on your time and what you learned, and share that with them.
As the days get closer and closer, I try my hardest to keep in mind these 5 things, but also know that we can’t do it all, and that’s okay.
What have you guys found to be helpful in transitioning away from a place? I’d love to hear some other ideas in my final weeks!
This post addresses Core Competencies for Librarians Servicing Children in Public Libraries around Administrative and Management Skills, as well as Professional Development.