The Liminal Librarian

Pam MacKellar, Consultant and author of The Accidental Librarian

Presentation will be on slideshare later. Worked at state library of new mexico, went around dealing with many libraries who were small and underfunded. Undergrad training in fine arts, brings out creative/idea person,  tries new things, likes taking risks, sees possibilities, attracted to possibilities.

When she went to school, had to formulate searches in advance, expensive, used acoustic data coupler modem. 1991 presentation on “internet listservs.”

How can I make a difference? Spread word: Basics of libs/libnship, know lib/org mission, know community’s info needs, planning, design goals to meet needs, know where lib going, funding with grants, removing barrier thinking.

Common obstacles: lots and lots — we’re just a small lib, so can’t try new tech. Not enough $. Not enough staff. We’re disadv. and underprivileged. I’m not a tech expert, I don’t know enough about tech, tech can’t improve on what we have already, don’t have time to learn, needs assessment show we don’t have any tech needs, IT dept won’t let us, computers too old, network out of date, not right hardware/software, no new ideas in bad economy, director not interested, other purchases more important.

When we see obstacles, negative cloud, lose customers — it’s catching. = negative library marketing.

Negative marketing results — discouraged negative staff, negative signage, outdated online presence, broken tech, obstacle-driven org.

Negativity often comes from the top, difficult to change.

Negative signage — book collection closed!! no checking out.

Outdated sites: upcoming events from 1996 — still sitting up there for public to see.

Reality is ever-changing

Things change — benefactor could give millions of $. How we frame it is our choice. We can flip neg to pos.

Since you can create own reality, why not focus on opportunities rather than on barriers? Repeat the positive, opps to self. Not mean wishing makes it comes true, but mindset in that direction, when opportunity comes, you will be open instead of having reasons why not.

Success story

Aztec public library, NM — got grant for digital media arts program. Fulfills need, goal and purpose driven, funded mult. sources, mult. partners (for ex., state employment agency), new “library paradigm” model for community. Biggest challenge — small town thinking and breaking out of libraries don’t do that paradigm. Lack of support some town leaders, board members.

Lessons: stay committed, have a mission, think big, strive for goal, stay in your power, keep trying, be fearless, don’t listen to criticism, be fearless, don’t listen to criticism, just jump in, believe in yourself.

Second success story

Martha Liebert — mother in 60s started library with other mothers, got book donations, $500 from town, local lumber company gave materials for shelves, VFW painted them — took leadership, vision, mission, dedication, personal commitment.

So now what?

Evaluate outlook, identify problem, guiding principle, take action

1) Use test tools — learned optimism test, etc — links at accidentallibrarian.com/CIL09. Use to help identify problem — what negative thoughts about work sit go through mind regularly, what must you face to turn attitude around, what do you most want to adjust/redirect, what resources do you need?

2) Decide to change — outlook result of choices we make, not permanent, can choose to change but not change someone else — ppl only change if they want to.

3) Develop a guiding principle. Write a statement of purpose — personal goal or specific community need you want to focus on. Change is fun when you know what aiming for. Do something to support it every day, encourage others, believe in self. Change your vocab. Replace neg. w/ pos.

4) Set yourself up for success — use tech as tool, do something to make a difference in community, use free tools, take free webinars/tutorials/read, try something easy, not a lot of time and staff, have fun, be flexible, loosen up — doesn’t have to be perfect, spread word about successes. Look for new funding opps — American recovery and reinvestment act, and 2009 omnibus appropriations bill might = $ for libs. Library grants blog. Need to be ready w/ ideas to get $.

Question: Classroom 2.0 has online webinars — social network you can join w/100k educators.