We Have a New Front Desk!

We have a New Front Desk at Linebaugh!

Ben, the IT guy, at our new desk

Lots of extra space, as noted by our new carpet tiles

Though it’s still a work in progress, we do have a new front desk at Linebaugh! We are getting great compliments from patrons, and staff is adjusting very well to the new space.

This has been something we’ve been planning for since I started here, so I’m thrilled to see the (almost) finished product. We should have everything finalized by the end of September, as there were some mistakes in the order, but we’re still functioning in the meantime. I do appreciate the Linebaugh staff’s flexibility during the transition and installation (that was a fun day), and as we wait for the final pieces to be installed.

This summer has been one of tests and trials for us at Linebaugh. Let me give you a short list of things we’ve been dealing with:

• Front desk transition
•  HVAC problems and some very hot days for staff and patrons
• Challenges with the new Wandoo Reader program for Summer Reading
• Some especially sketchy patrons and incidents
• Renewal of efforts to steal library materials
• Front enclosure problems
• Mystery break-in or break-out.

So, what do we do in this ever-changing and challenging environment? I’ve noticed some things here that I’d like to share in this summer of trial:

1.      We learn new skills.

I can tell you that I’ve learned more about HVAC systems that I’ve ever cared to know in my life. I’ve had to in order to be able to talk with technicians and sales reps and facilities committees. Now, however, I can talk the talk and add this to my resume of knowledge.

2.      We learn to be more observant.

With several of the incidents we’ve had, I have noticed staff members becoming much more aware of what is actually happening in the library. We all have a tendency to get “into our own little worlds” when we work, but part of working with the public means we need to be alert to the people in our buildings and what is happening around us.

3.      We learn to speak up when there’s a problem.

With all the responsibilities each of us has, I have discovered that a supervisor or IT person may not instinctively know that something is broken or not working unless I tell them. So, I have a choice: Speak up and tell them about it (In a nice way) or keep quiet and allow the issue to become a source of ammunition to use against them later. I’ve especially been very thankful to Mindy Barrett this summer who has been our “go-to” person for Wandoo Reader, as she has been on the phone and writing those emails to Evanced whenever something didn’t work with the software. I think Mindy will be the first to say that because she stayed on them with the problems, the company continually worked to get things fixed. This works for in-house issues as well, as I really appreciate the ability to send a ticket to the IT staff with problems knowing they have a great system to get priority problems fixed quickly. Just email them @ Linebaugh IT Support.

4.      We learn to analyze better.

I love watching Garrett and Kathleen try to figure out a problem. Looking at procedures that are shaky, they work through them together, revise as needed, test them out and then say: “Let’s go with it this way for a while.” With all the transitioning with the desk, we have definitely had to revisit workflow and habits. I’ve so appreciated Kathleen and Garrett’s willingness and leadership in analyzing everything that is going on behind the scenes up front.

5.      We learn to laugh.

There are some days when you just can’t imagine anything else happening in the library. When Garrett is digging through the men’s restroom trash can searching for contraband and finds a prescription for Oxycodone, a vodka bottle and two covers of graphic novels that have been ripped off? Or, when Jonathan is trying to wake up a patron who is in a drunken stupor asleep in the stacks? Or, when Becky sends me an email picture of a vodka bottle a patron found behind one of the public computers. What can you do? That’s when I feel led to post a picture like this on Linebaugh’s Facebook Page and try to quickly close the door on Friday night.

So, it’s definitely been an interesting summer, but not one without lessons and growth. What’s even more amazing is I’m excited for the future. Yes, even with all the above, we’re looking at great days ahead as more and more people connect with the library and the services we offer. It’s a great day, we have a new front desk!

Accomplishment

For three years, I have spent time doing special projects along with a week of each year participating in intense training to complete certification as a Public Library Manager. I think what I learned the most is a wider perspective of the library world in our State, coming to know other librarians in a personal way. Hearing their stories, seeing pictures of their libraries, and realizing their struggles helped me to see how much I have to be grateful for. So, first of all, studying with others is good for reminding us we're not unique or alone in this job of management.

I also have learned that leadership takes many forms. Sometimes, it's just being a listening ear or helping someone print. Leadership can also come in the form of direct suggestions or modeling. What is crucial is knowing how to adjust your form of leadership to meet the needs of those around you. Leadership can also be a lonely place, as not everyone wants to be close to a leader, whether they feel threatened, intimidated or just prefer to do things their own way. A leader learns to adjust to how people react as well.

Our library system is on a good path, as I've had the opportunity to analyze it during these past three years. We've come a long way, and I now see how we can serve as a model to many other libraries, because just like my experience at the Public Library Management Institute, our system is made up of large, medium and small libraries in a variety of locations, meeting the needs of a variety of communities. As we grow and change in meeting our patrons' needs, we can share what we're learning with others in our field. That's a great feeling and gives me a lot to look forward to for the years ahead.

Everybody likes a challenge

At a recent management training, our facilitator used the Survivor TV show as our theme for the week, complete with opportunities to be challenged in groups. While TV shows are often used to bring some life to various meetings, not being familiar with Survivor, I was not sure I cared for the idea of doing some unknown activity with a group of peers to win a Moon Pie.

However, I've learned that despite my initial tendency to want to sit on the sideline, you can have much more fun being part of the game and cheering others on. After all, it's not who wins but how you play the game that counts. This is true in game participation, work and life in general. It all starts with your attitude.

We can choose to be unhappy and irritating or we can find a bright spot even in a game that gets us way outside our comfort zone and just focus on that. That in itself can be the greatest challenge!