January 25, 2007

Recognizing Excellent Staff

I love my job. And I enjoy the people I work with. Their energy and enthusiasm keeps all of us "teamed" in a successful way.

Recently, we lauded all staff and noted those who reached key milestones in their educational life. It is amazing what growth comes from taking a simple class or program, and what synergy it can create. There is some amazing energy that filters among class participants. Our library has been lucky in that our staff brings that positive synergy back to their daily jobs. They listen, network, make suggestions, and point out programs or ideas they gather. New ideas come forward and we all learn a little more and benefit, as does the community.

Thank you Homer Library Staff
Staff step up on a daily basis to do their best for our community. Each person who enters our building gets that personal interest and customer service touch. I read a quote that simply stated: "Walk in our door, and you are our friend." That really applies here at the Homer Library. And it is due to an exceptional staff who simply, "get it!"

New graduates pictured at right:
Pam Lira - BA, Lewis University
Bonnie Lewandowski - LTA, JJC
Carol Wroblewski - LTA, JJC
Carol - MBA, University of Phoenix
Mary Kate Milarczyk - BS, GSU


Congratulations to all of our wonderful staff.
More photos are on our flickr site here.

Synergy
Synergy is the Illinois State Library Leadership Program. This innovative year long program (I am a 2005 graduate!) offers a truly wonderful learning experience. It is life-changing.

Congratulations to Sara for attending and expanding her knowledge base. She is a true leader!

Pictured at left: ISL Synergy Graduate Sara McCambridge, Assistant Director

January 03, 2007

Resolutions for 2007

We all make them. With the New Year we pledge or promise ourselves to achieve or do more. Set a goal, be specific, and above all be accountable - those are the basic steps of a resolution. Accountability is perhaps the single most important element for success along with taking the time to reflect, review, and get input. Be true and honest in your assessments. If you don't have a community or team behind you, create one. And be accountable to them. Creating a team effort for support is essential.

The Essential Ingredient
Libraries must take these steps, too. We are accountable to the communities we serve. Directors, managers, supervisors, clerks, pages, trustees, volunteers - all of us are "the team" behind making customer service and library goals successfully happen. Like the ingredients in a recipe, we are all necessary.

And what is essential in this recipe for success? Your input. Increasing the community and library dialogue is key; we need your thoughts, comments, and feedback. We want to be more convenient, efficient, and to find ways to serve non-library users. We invite your participation in this process of self-examination. We need your assessment of what we do, and just as important, what we don't do, but should.

Be Our Partner For Success
As we continue our long range planning I urge you to provide input. What do you need, what do you use, what services or programs would serve you well? Maybe you don't use the library. Tell us why or what would specifically help to increase your library visits. We bring the best to the Homer community; help us to expand this role. Your input, conversation, and collaboration will keep Homer Library connected to the community. With your help we will reach out to new users in new ways, and stay vital. Be our partner for success.

Tell me what you really want or think the library should be.
Pick up the phone or email me...as Nike notes: Just Do It!