Digital Commons Network^™

Reviewing Basic Leadership Competencies--Emotional Intelligence, Jennifer A. Bartlett

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

In this "New and Noteworthy" column, we highlight recent and basic publications pertaining to emotional intelligence, one of the 14 Foundational Competencies identified by LLAMA as being necessary for leaders and managers.

Future And Value: The Library As Strategic Partner, Antje Mays

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Broader economic trends spawn budget pressures for education and libraries, prompting a plethora of studies on the value and relevance of libraries. Numerous reports on economic decline in libraries and studies with mixed pronouncements on the value of libraries have led to a negative self-image within the library profession. Yet libraries' leadership in connecting learners to knowledge is at the heart of producing many of the key skills sorely needed in robust societies and economies. Librarianship has many untapped opportunities for positioning itself as a prominent strategic partner. This paper outlines current research on the economic and societal context for …

Dangerous Liaisons: Brainstorming The 21st Century Academic Liaison, Antje Mays

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Academic liaison roles have seen massive changes over time and grown into an ever-broadening range of duties. What began as subject-focused collection involvement has evolved into a mix of instruction, reference, and various forms of course-embedded services, all while also retaining the earlier focus on subject-specific collection management.

This paper outlines current research on academic liaison roles and summarizes the interactive exchanges from the 2018 Charleston Conference Lively Session on academic liaisons. Through live polling and discussion, session participants identified key functions and core competencies for liaisons, as well as factors contributing to success or hindrance for liaison success. Key …

Beautiful Connector: Collection Showcase Exhibits As Teaching Tools And Community Builders, Antje Mays

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Libraries’ quest to strengthen connections with their constituencies often finds expression in new services and repurposed user spaces. Some literature portrays libraries as focusing away from collections toward new trends in library portfolios, but showcasing collections can prove very effective in bringing the library and user communities closer together. This article recounts two recent library collection showcase exhibits as successful examples of bolstering stakeholder connections: The first collections exhibit showcased books on Chinese language, literature, culture, art and architecture, history, and medicine received through the Window of Shanghai program. The second collections exhibit showcased scholarly books, U.S. government publications, citizen …

Dealing With Dysfunction, Jennifer A. Bartlett

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

It is the rare library that does not experience some level of dysfunctional behavior among staff. Problems arise when weak leadership, poor communication, and lack of goals result in toxic behaviors including gossiping and bullying. Several recent publications offer tips on identifying and dealing with dysfunctional library workplaces.

Libraries As Sustainability Leaders: Ala’S Special Task Force, René Tanner, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Monika Antonelli, Adrian K. Ho

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This article discusses the work of the American Library Association (ALA) Special Task Force on Sustainability, which identified 52 recommendations, including the adoption of sustainability as a core value of librarianship. The group aims to promote libraries as catalysts, connectors, and conveners to promote sustainability, resilience, and regeneration. The Task Force is guided by the concept of the triple bottom line, which states that an organization’s practices must be not only economically feasible but also socially equitable and environmentally sound. The article also provides examples of how libraries engage in sustainable practices to support the cities and towns they serve.

Best Websites For Careers And Job Hunting, Jennifer A. Bartlett

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Here are just a few tried-and-true free websites to help our patrons (and maybe us!) get started on the road to that perfect job.

Making The Most Of Your Yard With Gardening And Plants Websites, Jennifer A. Bartlett

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Whether you are an experienced master gardener or a novice struggling to keep an indoor houseplant alive, there are thousands of websites and blogs offering ideas, suggestions, and answers to tricky gardening questions. In this column, we’ll scratch only the surface as we dig into the best websites to help you and your patrons develop a green thumb.

Distinction For The Library Profession: Taking A Page From The Business Playbook, Antje Mays

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

Library and information professionals have much to offer the world-at-large, yet are often under-recognized beyond the sphere of librarianship. Looking beyond traditional library advocacy, this second article in the "Mayflower: Ode to New Beginnings" presents theory and practice of recognition-building strategies from the business world -- strategies applicable to librarianship: The article looks to the business playbook for building connections with the broader community and thereby enhancing the profession’s exposure.