A staff survey conducted by administration at my library two years ago pointed to a general feeling of discontent amongst staff. Working with people can have so many ups and downs. But this seemed bigger and, to my administration’s credit, they acted on these results. The administration formed a Staff Advisory committee, which I was tasked with chairing. I can say that it’s been a crazy two years, but, looking back, I’m recognizing all the wonderful things that we accomplished and the great advocacy that we did on behalf of our wonderful library staff. The library systerm consists of 5 full-service branches, 1 mobile services department that operates our Bookmobile, and an administrative building. We had a mixed response: some staff members were excited, some cynical, some curious, and others skeptical that anything would actually be accomplished by this proposed solution. However, from amongst our 7 locations, we were able…
Tag: staff
Summer Reading > Numbers
Summer is over. But before I get out my cute new booties and pumpkin flavored everything, it’s time to reflect on what an awesome summer it was in the library. The easiest way to evaluate the success of an initiative is through numbers and stats and pie charts, etc. While these are effective (and necessary) it’s not always the best way to boost staff morale or provide inspiration. Our last Quarterly Youth Services Meeting was focused on the end of Summer Reading and the beginning of back to school. I was supposed to share Summer Reading results but, honesty, the last thing I wanted to do was rattle off numbers to everyone. So I did something… very serious. Throughout the entire summer, staff had been sending in amazing pictures of displays and programs that really only the people in my office were seeing. I wanted to share them with everyone as…
Winning Traits
Skill in presenting programs, an understanding of child development, and a love for working with young people are all traits required for staff working in youth services. There are other important traits which outstanding youth services staff must possess. When the time comes to replace a member of this department, what skills, characteristics and strengths do you seek? What do you admire in your colleagues? It is true that youth services staff must have the special ability to connect with young people and their caregivers, but there are other characteristics that are necessary for staff to be the best team players they can be and for them to have the most positive impact on the team. A positive mind set, a strong work ethic, and problem-solving abilities are qualities that make staff excel. For a positive mindset to truly make an impact in the workplace, it must be all encompassing…