words i like

It's a simple meeting, really. Many of us librarians/information specialists/etc. who are there just want to know what "the deal" is. About Illinois libraries, about the money, about the merger talk, consolidation, priorities, partnerships, services, hubs, design team, communications, restructuring.... words are flying fast and furious. Some of my all-time favorites are pinging off the walls.

Proactive, engaged, visions, plan b., models, rebirth, phoenix, coalitions, greater efficiencies, unique, outsourcing, funding, leadership, diversity, restructuring, community, outsourcing, spit load of investment (now there's a vision!) and one that can often be used to describe myself, "terminally optimistic". It will all work out. Really. Change makes us examine what is working and leads to new adventures.

I appreciate all these words and the "out of the box" thinking because it moves us forward instead of back and pilots us into interesting directions. It will be ok. Really. I do believe that. We will fight our way through to a better time.

p.s. no synergy word used at all ~sigh~ but I believe it is here in the collective and is part of the overall vision to come.

Could Systems transform into . . . . The Life Enrichment Coalition Serving Illinois Libraries?

Illinois library systems provide important services to the multi-type libraries they serve. With the fiscal challenges facing Illinois projected to continue, mergers and consolidation of services will certainly occur. Library systems have not had a budget increase in more than 20 years, and this year they received a 16.5%budget cut. Announcements from several regional system agencies note they have reduced member services due to the on-going uncertainty and delay of state funding. The state’s current 6-month reimbursement delays will likely continue for the next three - four years. Consulting, CE, marketing, advocacy, grant development, and human resources support are being reduced or eliminated. System agencies were directed to work toward a single statewide library services organization with a single Delivery service and a combined statewide LLSAP.

As a librarian who embraces change, I hope that we will all emerge stronger, unified, and with increased communication and collaboration. As opportunities arise during this time of great change and transition, leaders will need to think synergistically to develop a new service model for library systems. And please, let's not call them systems. We can do better than that!

As we move towards a new model we may stumble, but the ultimate goal is to be positive participants in the necessary planning for a shared "system" future. I desire this for all of the citizens who rely on Illinois libraries and for the many librarians and staff who diligently work on their behalf, and have done so with valuable support from system agencies.

To the many wonderful people who have provided leadership at system agencies:
Thank you for your dedication to Illinois libraries.

Your talents for advocacy, staff training and professional development, board guidance, legislation, grant development, marketing initiatives, and a host of other services too numerous to list, will be greatly missed.

Consistency

I find myself saying this word a lot these days.

Advocacy. Outreach. Service Ethic. Planning. Programming. Budget. Policy. Volunteers. Consistency serves as a foundation of what I do as a library director, as well as someone who is active on several organization's boards, including Lion's International, the Nature Foundation, ILA, etc. Change is upon us all, with budget concerns and plans to stay relevant as key priorities. It is my belief that consistency can help us embrace the future changes that are coming while remaining true to past successes. It is a focused balancing act and a challenge I look forward to.

Advocacy

I enjoyed visiting with State Rep. Renee Kosel as part of our continuing outreach to elected officials. As Illinois experiences its worst financial crisis ever, libraries continue to play key roles and provide vital support to communities and residents. Ironically, library funding is endangered more than ever before.

We must seize every opportunity to advocate for library funding & support and tell our stories. Person to person advocacy reminds me of a visually powerful commercial..."you tell one person, and so on and so on," while multiple images fill the screen. The influence of the collective works!

ILA Election is Open

The 2010 ILA elections opened April 1st and will run the entire month. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Creative thinking

Powered by a network of 8,000 "spotters" Springwise looks for "smart new ideas delivering instant inspiration to entrepreneurial minds." Check it out for the latest and greatest innovative ideas.

Trendspotting article - are libraries the new business hubs?

The February 26, 2010 issue of The Kiplinger Letter: Forecasts For Management Decisionmaking has an interesting paragraph about libraries in its Growing Business section.

It notes....
"Are libraries the new business hubs? Cities across the U.S. are planning to follow the lead of Seattle and Salt Lake City, as well as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brisbane, Australia, and Turin, Italy, in building modern multipurpose libraries complete with multimedia labs, recording & broadcast studios, conference rooms...even manufacturing workshops. The centers also often house nonlibrary businesses: Bank branches, child care centers, post offices, medical clinics, coffee bars and more. Seattle says its multiservice library....built in 2003...is a huge success, crediting it with bringing business and economic benefits to the downtown location. Added library revenue will repay the $150-million to $200-million cost in eight years."

Convenience X 100. That last sentence adds the exclamation mark.