Blog – Southern Tier Library System http://www.stls.org Connecting Community Libraries Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:15:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.3 Connecting Community Libraries Blog – Southern Tier Library System Connecting Community Libraries Blog – Southern Tier Library System http://www.stls.org/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.stls.org The Iron is HOT: Making your library the HUB of your community! http://www.stls.org/staff-training-and-development/the-iron-is-hot/ Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:07:23 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=114005 Do you know what your community wants and needs? Do your community members see the library as a vital hub of the community?

Well, MaryLou Carolan (Director of the Cornwall Public Library) sees amazing, unique and out-of-the-ordinary opportunities for your library to be a vibrant and active community center. Come join us as she shares her “inside/outside approach” to telling the library’s story. Come, catch MaryLou’s sense of urgency. The time to act is now. The time is HOT. It is time to Strike While the Iron is HOT [Hope, Opportunity, Time]! For more details, see the flyer: Iron is HOT.

You can register HERE!

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Friday Follow-up: Library Bill of Rights Guides Member Libraries’ Tough Decisions http://www.stls.org/friday-follow-up/friday-follow-up-library-bill-of-rights-guides-member-libraries-tough-decisions/ Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:00:23 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113999 Friday Follow-up:
a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director
Library Bill of Rights Guides Member Libraries’ Tough Decisions
  
Pauline Emery (kneeling – center), is the Library Director at Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning. Here she is pictured talking with community members at the library as part of an Ask Exercise to develop her library’s strategic plan. She is joined by trustee Doug Porter (right).

 

“Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials.”

 

This mission statement from ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom sets the tone for today’s Friday Follow-up. The Library Bill of Rights serves as the fundamental doctrine of librarianship. It is a record that should be incorporated into all STLS member libraries’ policy manuals and referenced regularly by librarians and trustees. Quite honestly, it guides us through our toughest challenges by embracing our core values.

 

Last week, I attended a trustee book discussion at Howard Library (Steuben County) with representatives from several member libraries. They came together to discuss the book, “Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries for Today’s Complex World “by R. David Lankes. Author and Professor David Lankes was very kind to join us via Skype. And STLS Trustee Development Consultant Margo Gustina did a superb job of leading the discussion.

 

During this meeting, Mary Ann Thomas, trustee at Southeast Steuben County Library, informed me of an act by one of our member librarians that solidified my ongoing respect for her work. She is a colleague and friend, but after hearing her story, it evident she is a virtuous librarian.

 

 Here is my interview with Pauline Emery, library director Southeast Steuben County Library:

 

Me: In March 2013, speaker and activist Conner Habib was scheduled to talk at Corning Community College as part of the school’s sex health week initiative, but was cancelled last minute due to his involvement in the adult film industry.

 

The Southeast Steuben County Library decided to host Mr. Habib’s talk to ensure college students could hear him speak. Why did you think the library needed to provide space for his talk?

 

Pauline: Students from the college’s LGBT community were frantically looking for a space that would host Mr. Habib’s talk. Maryalice Little books our meeting rooms and she came to me with their request. I have always seen the Library Bill of Rights as the guiding beacon to all library policy. When we received this request I knew it had the potential to be a “hot button” issue and I knew we would be requesting our first round of public tax support. Those two items were of big concern, but I felt our duty was first and foremost to uphold intellectual freedom. Many staff and board discussions followed but we all stood together.

 

Me: What do you think would have happened if the library didn’t host this discussion? Would the community or college students be at a loss?

 

Pauline: I feel the event might have taken place in a private residence had we not hosted it. Larger venues were not responsive to the students.

 

Without a doubt the students and community would have been at a loss, had this program not taken place. It was one of the best programs I have ever attended. It was standing room only and people of all ages, races, sexual and political backgrounds were in attendance. And by the way, Mr. Habib, just happens to be an activist for anti-censorship and LGBT rights. He has taught and spoken at hundreds of campuses around the country. People in attendance were thanking the library for hosting it. One person stated “thank you for giving them a voice.” There are moments in your life when you are certain that what you do matters and that program mattered.

 

Me: It is my understanding some community members were upset about the library’s decision to host this discussion. How did you react to this situation?

 

Pauline: Some community members did confront me regarding the library’s choice to host the program. I explained the Library Bill of Rights. I used the example of how, one year a program that promoted a pro-Palestinian movie received complaints from some members of the Jewish community. The library responded by offering our space to host a pro-Israeli film. That example did turn some people around. You will always have those that want to censor and silence. Libraries are here to allow for the free flow of thought, materials and ideas.

 

Me: Was there a positive reaction from community members or college students despite the minority who protested?

 

Pauline: Yes, I received two emails from out-of-state saying thank you. After Mr. Habib’s program a patron in attendance handed the library a $500 check. She is the person who stated “Thanks for giving them a voice.” We forged a good relationship with the college students and we started seeing them in the library more and more. It was funny, they felt we were Bad A** Librarians for doing our job….which makes me laugh.

 

Me: Clearly you referenced and exercised the Library Bill of Rights in your decision making. As a librarian, do you feel this policy holds you to an ethical standard? And have you referred to it throughout your career?

 

Pauline: Time and time again it has guided me when making decisions. I do think it holds you to an ethical standard and honestly that is not always easy. You must be fair and check yourself. You have to keep your personal ideology out of it. You must host programs that you may not personally agree with. I always say unless they are a Hate group or doing something illegal they can use the space as outlined by our policy rules.

 

Me: Do you have any advice for other member libraries that might be challenged for providing materials and information presenting all points of view?

 

Pauline: If you can take a library class on Intellectual Freedom… do it! If you can’t, go to the ALA website and read their materials or try to go to the New York Library Association Conference and attend some of the wonderful forums provided. I think it is essential for directors to educate themselves regarding Intellectual Freedom.Once you do that, it is then time to guide your board into accepting the Library Bill of Rights. It serves as your backbone policy. Ours is a noble profession and freedom of information is essential.

 

I want to thank Pauline for taking the time to answer my questions. For more information on the Library Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom, please enjoy these links. Another highly recommended resource is, “Our Enduring Values: Revisited – Librarianship in an Ever-Changing World” by Michael Gorman.

 

Enjoy your August 20th weekend, STLS member libraries.

 

Kindest Regards,

Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System

Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog

Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
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The Friday Follow-up: All the Books Celebrates 50 Episodes in Wellsville http://www.stls.org/friday-follow-up/the-friday-follow-up-all-the-books-celebrates-50-episodes-in-wellsville/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 14:04:15 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113967 Friday Follow-up:
a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director
All the Books Celebrates 50 Episodes in Wellsville
  
Nic Gunning, interim director of David A. Howe Public Library and Eric Mikols extend library services outside of the library's walls and into greater Wellsville community through their podcast All the Books.
Nic Gunning, interim director of David A. Howe Public Library and Eric Mikols extend services beyond the library’s walls and into the greater Wellsville community through their podcast, All the Books. This weekly show has helped to reshape how the library approaches community engagement and the promotion of resources.

 

This Friday I would like to shed light on the David A. Howe Public Library (Wellsville, Allegany County). More specifically, one of their recent and trending projects.

 

Nic Gunning, interim director, took a moment last week to answer some of my questions about All the Books, which is the official podcast of the David A. Howe Public Library. The show features Eric Mikols,teen coordinator & technology trainer, and Nic who talk about “book news, great segments and library events!”

 

The podcast has been running since 2015 and just celebrated its 50th episode. It is available on Soundcloud, iTunes and Youtube. Here is what Nic had to say about All the Books:

 

Brian: Where did the idea for All the Books come from?

 

Nic: I had been thinking about doing something like this for a while. I thought it would be a good way to reach a different type of audience.  It would allow us to do reader’s advisory and raise awareness of the kinds of things you can do in a library. When Eric was hired, he came with an impressive background in creating online content and together we crystalized the concept that became All the Books.

 

Brian: Was the library director or board supportive of the initial idea? Podcasts aren’t in the traditional scope of rural libraries.

 

Nic: Our former director Michelle La Voie saw the value in it right away.  She was supportive from the start and even guest-hosted episode 6, “Three’s Company Too,” with us.  (https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-6-threes-company-too) Our board was enthusiastic as well.  I think everyone thought it was outside of the norm, but felt there was no harm in trying.

 

Brian: What types of skills does it take for a librarian to create a podcast? Is it something anyone with basic tech skills can do?

 

Nic: The tech side is relatively simple, but I think you do need to have some knowledge of what’s out there.  Eric did a lot of research making sure we had the right equipment, software and hosting site.  We’ve had to do some tweaking along the way.  It would have been much more difficult had he not had some expertise in that field.

 

Brian: How much time per week do you allocate towards the show, and did you have to give something up to make it happen?

 

Nic: When we first started we would record an episode, then Eric would go in to edit it.  That was very time consuming.  Once we got comfortable with the format, we started recording and posting it as is.  Essentially, it’s a live recording.  The show runs about an hour, so that plus a little time to research the topics and authors we are discussing ends up at 1-2 hours per week.  We either record on Fridays or Mondays, depending on our schedules.  That gives us some flexibility.

 

Brian: Clearly you and Eric have seamless and entertaining dialogue. Is it this dynamic that prompted you to start All the Books and does this relationship carryover after the show?

 

Nic: Eric and I work well together so I was confident that we could sit down and have a lively, productive conversation each week.  Our natural dynamic certainly helps the show.  And yes, we do get along even when the mics aren’t on.

 

Brian: What kind of reaction have you gotten from community members? Has this been an effective tool for driving services?

 

Nic: We have gotten a pretty positive response overall.  We hear from patrons who listen and often see books or media we discuss checking out from our collection.  Our audience reaches beyond Wellsville, so hopefully this gives people who have a fondness for the David A. Howe Public Library the opportunity to stay in touch regardless of where they are now.  I think it’s working well for us.

 

Brian: Do you see the show as a permanent staple of the Howe Library brand?

 

Nic: In the year we’ve been doing the show we haven’t missed a single week.  We don’t have plans to stop anytime soon.

 

Brian: 50 continuous weekly episodes is no small feat. If you could recommend one episode to the STLS membership, which one is your favorite?

 

Nic: Well, for our 50th episode we filmed the show with a three camera set up.  You can find that on our Youtube page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6sEIdqFfJI

 

Our most downloaded episode is #27, “Show Me One Idea.”  That’s a favorite of both mine and Eric’s too.  You can find that  https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-27.

 

You can find the show on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks
Twitter: @allthebookshow

 

Have a great weekend, STLS! And,thank you, Nic and Eric for sharing this great project with us and your community.

 

Kindest Regards,

Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System

Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog

 

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Peer Learning and the Public Library http://www.stls.org/public-services/peer-learning-and-the-public-library/ http://www.stls.org/public-services/peer-learning-and-the-public-library/#respond Wed, 10 Aug 2016 15:25:45 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113938 Just over a year ago, I presented some information on MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and how they fit in the public library’s efforts to promote continuous learning (a related blog article is available here). A more recent development in this area is the availability of a Facilitator Handbook for Learning Circles (https://www.p2pu.org/assets/uploads/learning_circle_downloads/facilitator_handbook.pdf) created by Chicago Public Library and Peer 2 Peer University (with support from the Knight Foundation News Challenge). The guide defines learning circles as “lightly-facilitated study groups for learners who want to take freely available online courses together, in-person”.

The facilitator guide includes:

A getting started checklist

Some suggested online course platforms

Tips for facilitators

Templates for flyer and certificate of achivement

More information on Learning Circles is available on Peer 2 Peer University’s website at https://www.p2pu.org/en/.

 

 

 

 

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Brush Up on your Computer Skills http://www.stls.org/staff-training-and-development/brush-up-on-your-computer-skills/ Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:30:53 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113893 Looking to improve your”techie” skills to increase your productivity in the workplace? Here are a few resources that can help you tap into your inner computer geek.

Tech-Talk is a new resource available to all STLS member library staff through South Central Regional Library Council (it will be available at least through June 2017, with the possibility of renewal). The service includes a weekly (Tuesdays) email blast that provides helpful tips on using Microsoft Office Suite applications as well as how to communicate more effectively. The articles are archived on the Tech-Talk website (http://www.tech-talk.com/), which also includes the ability to ask questions via an online form. For more information on how to receive the weekly emails and log into the Tech Talk website, contact Diane Capalongo at dcapalongo@scrlc.org.

GCFLearnFree.org includes online tutorials to develop basic computer skills, use of various operating systems (e.g., Windows) and Social Media.

Lynda.com (also made available through South Central Regional Library Council) includes a slew of technology-related videos. For more information on how to take advantage of this resource, contact Jessica Brooks Philippe at jphilippe@scrlc.org.

Need some specialized group or one-on-one instruction (e.g., website development with WordPress, MS Office Suite, etc.)? Contact Al Oliveras at oliverasa@stls.org.

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Friday Follow-up – Nontraditional Training through Library System Partnerships http://www.stls.org/friday-follow-up/friday-follow-up-nontraditional-training-through-library-system-partnerships/ Mon, 01 Aug 2016 16:23:07 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113891 Friday Follow-up:
a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director
Nontraditional Training through Library System Partnerships
 
Library consultants from Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, Pioneer Library System and STLS joined together last week at Letchworth State Park to identify and develop common training techniques for our 126 member libraries. (Standing L-R) Eli Guinnee, Al Oliveras, Margo Gustina, Ron Kirsop, Pat Finnerty, Hope Decker, Megan Disbro, Valle Blair, Tom Vitale and Lauren Moore. (Seated L-R) Brian Hildreth and Lorie Brown.

 

“Risk is what makes librarianship so great.” This is a statement from my April 8, 2016 Friday Follow-up: Never Take Yourself Too Seriously. Some of you may recall I discussed 6 things library directors and boards can do to build library capacity. Here is one of the six items:

 

Never Take Yourself Too Seriously: I feel like this should be termed Leadership 101. We are going to make mistakes. We are going to make them often. But, the last thing you want to do is take yourself too seriously. Directors and trustees prohibit themselves from innovating when they strictly focus on minimizing mistakes. Risk is what makes librarianship so great. We work in a field that encourages us to experiment. Who cares if a new program has low attendance or that a new genre never circulates. We won’t know what is successful if we don’t try.

 

I want to revisit this concept because I believe risk (or the lack of risk) can prevent rural libraries from meeting their full potential. Any library board that has gathered with me to talk local funding knows I fully encourage risk taking behavior. And it isn’t until this behavior is put into action that we see authentic results.

 

In 2014, Dundee Library secured an increase of 151% in local public funds with 70% approval from its school district community. The following year, Cohocton Public Library increased local funds by 93% with 64% approval. And in 2016, Montour Falls Library obtained a 261% increase along with its neighboring library Odessa, which leveraged a 70% increase. Their budgets passed with 68% approval.

 

These funding campaigns required three things… risk, commitment and hard work. Commitment and hard work are exactly what they sound like. The directors and board members of these libraries did everything within their abilities to realize successful outcomes. This includes making well-thought, passionate pitches to community members following restless nights (hard work and commitment). It also means leaping from what is comfortable to what can be extremely challenging, exhausting and unknown (risk).

 

Last week, STLS consultants attended a retreat with consultants from the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System and Pioneer Library System. These neighboring systems are similar to STLS taking into account size, geographic location and member libraries’ needs.

 

The purpose of the retreat was to identify current and effective training practices as well as areas of collaboration and innovation. This type of partnership is not only required of our 2017 – 2021 Plan of Service, but is also a best practice. How can our systems work together to build our own capacity for the betterment of our valued member libraries?

 

As you can imagine, we examined many areas of professional development to empower our members with tools to thrive. It is a challenge because our members’ needs are quite diverse despite their similarities. How do 3 rural library systems reach 126 libraries and their directors, nearly 500 staff, roughly 900 trustees and the 750,000 residents they serve? You can envision the task at hand just by looking at the numbers on the surface.

 

The retreat’s culmination may have been a defining moment for our systems. After going through the 24-hour process of investigating numerous approaches, we challenged ourselves to move past our own comfort zones and work on something less traditional. How do we train library systems and members to (1) experiment, (2) make mistakes, (3) innovate, (4) create and (5) take risks?

 

I realize it sounds a bit abstract. Don’t we just need to learn more about the Roles and Responsibilities of Trustees/Directors, or perhaps how libraries Support and Preserve Democracy by providing Open, Non-Judgmental Institutions? Let’s dig even deeper. Shouldn’t library systems and member libraries develop more tech skills such as running useful reports from the ILS or helping patrons navigate their eReader? These are the skills that connect us to our community.

 

Striking equitable balance is what will sustain us as a profession. Focusing on one type of service, training or skillset limits our abilities to bond with other people. Several colleagues of mine have said that one of the amazing elements of librarianship is that there is no subject not worth learning. Everything is applicable. I find this frustrating because it means I am not 100% of value to my members until I learn all. It’s an impossible, but worthy pursuit.

 

It is too early to know what this nontraditional approach means for library systems or members.  I guess we will have to experiment, make mistakes, innovate, create and take risks to figure it out. Nevertheless, the idea has us excited to work with our partnering library systems for the betterment of public library services in our region. Most importantly it has us excited about building our relationships and bonds with STLS member libraries.

 

Have a wonderful summer weekend, STLS. If you are looking to get out of your comfort zone and explore ways to reimagine fear, please click here for a recommended TED Talk by Karen Thompson Walker, author of The Age of Miracles.

 

Kindest Regards,

Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System

Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog

 

 

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The Friday Follow-up: Member Library Interview – Phil Archer http://www.stls.org/friday-follow-up/the-friday-follow-up-member-library-interview-phil-archer/ Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:19:28 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113874 Friday Follow-up:
a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director

Member Library Interview – Phil Archer
 

Trustee Phil Archer visited my office last week to talk about libraries. He has served libraries in many ways over the years, and he is an inspiration to those who work in libraries. I have always appreciated and valued the role trustees play simply because their work is important. And they do it for little compensation. Phil also has an diverse collection of interesting t-shirts. Librarianship has really rubbed-off on him.
 

Library work is all about people. This is what I tell most folks when asked about why I am a librarian. I love working with people. And more specifically, I love hearing a person’s story.

 

Most issues can be solved if you just take a moment to listen to another’s point of view. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with their position. It just means you are willing to establish common ground in the hopes of moving forward positively.

 

For the remainder of the summer I intend to use my weekly message to shed light on people in our library system community. This might not seem different than other weekly messages, but it is. I will not be the one talking. Questions will be asked, and the answers will be from the perspective of our members.

 

Allow me to introduce…

 

Name: Phillip Archer (Phil)
Role: Trustee at Montour Falls Memorial Library (Schuyler County)
Affiliations: Board Member on Library Trustee Association of NYS and the Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries

 

Brian: How long have you served in libraries, and what got you started?

Phil: I started on the STLS board about 10 years ago. My daughter Hope Decker thought I would be interested because I needed something to do. I represented Yates County. That ended a few years ago, and then I went onto the Montour Falls Library Board. I was a volunteer fireman on Long Island for 15 years. In fact I was a commissioner. I thought serving in libraries might be a similar experience. It was not. I first learned about library funding and the many different types of libraries. I got a lot of satisfaction from being involved in positive things. And libraries and volunteer fire departments are positive things. So, I guess both experiences were kind of similar?

 

Brian: Why do you feel it is important to be a library trustee?

 

Phil: It is important because libraries are so important. Trustees need to become knowledgeable about being good stewards. I serve on Montour Falls Board and on the Library Trustee Association of NY. Everything I do as a trustee is a learning experience. I learn about libraries, and I meet really great people who are hard workers. More people, especially trustees need to learn how important their job is and they need to do it correctly.

 

Brian: What is your most memorable library experience as trustee?

Phil: When I met Bernie Margolis, the State Librarian, and told him about my tremor. In return, he discussed with me his experiences with cancer and what he has overcome. That was incredible because we both could relate to each other. It was more impressive that he as the State Library was comfortable sharing that with me. We met at an LTA event.

Brian: You serve on the LTA Board, can you tell me what LTA is, and why libraries should join.

 

Phil: LTA works for library trustees. Every library should be a member especially for small libraries with small budgets. The dues are marginal and the benefits are numerous. Just getting the newsletter is worth the annual cost of $10. LTA’s regional conferences, which started at STLS, have been a great experience. Another event is taking place at Nioga Library System this fall. I would encourage any member library trustee to join. (You Can Learn More About LTA by Clicking Here)

 

Brian: What is the one thing that connects you most to public libraries?

 

Phil: I love going to Montour Falls Library in the morning when story hour is taking place. You can hear the 3 and 4 year olds sing the alphabet song and wheels on the bus. That’s an amazing experience because you know something new is taking place. It is good to be part of the library whether it is as a trustee, patron or community member.

 

Thank you, Phil!
And thank you, STLS.

Kindest Regards,

Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System

Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog

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The Friday Follow-up: Advocacy Secures $224,900 for STLS Region http://www.stls.org/friday-follow-up/the-friday-follow-up-advocacy-secures-224900-for-stls-region/ Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:44:00 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113840 Friday Follow-up:
a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director
Advocacy Secures $224,900 for STLS Region  
A spring field trip to meet with Senator O’Mara and Assembly member Phil Palmesano resulted in $3,500 for each chartered library in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties.
 

I was once told by a colleague that advocacy doesn’t matter. I believe the words she used were, “Why go to Albany. Our efforts haven’t been successful in the past, and the future will produce similar results.”

 

I was a new director when I heard this statement. I hadn’t developed a budget yet, written a grant proposal or even managed a small construction project. You can only imagine the impression this remark from an experienced director had on me. Aren’t seasoned librarians supposed to be role models?

 

I didn’t want to hear it. One of the first things taught in library school is that libraries exist to encourage a participatory society. This “Why go to Albany” attitude is like discouraging low literacy patrons from using the library. “Why try to improve your reading skills? You weren’t successful in the past!”

 

Fortunately, I have a mind of my own. Advocacy does matter. And quite frankly it is a significant lifeline to both the library system and our member libraries. Predetermined resources will go elsewhere if we don’t talk to key stakeholders about libraries.

 

Diehard Allegany County library advocates “met me in Olean to speak with the Senator”. Senator Catharine Young provided $8,700 in Bullet Aid to each chartered library in her district last week. Thanks for “following through” Allegany County.

 

Last week, STLS member libraries secured a combined $224,900 in New York State Bullet Aid. Senator O’Mara who represents Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties allocated $3,500 to each charted library in his district. This represents a total of $77,000 for 22 STLS member libraries.

 

Senator Catharine Young also allocated Bullet Aid to chartered libraries in her district. Allegany County libraries will each receive $8,700, which represents $147,900 in total funds. These monies are to be earmarked for special library projects at the discretion of the trustees and directors.

 

I know directors and trustees can hesitate to visit our elected officials. You get the phone call or email from STLS asking for your participation… “Let’s get on the bus to Albany, or meet me in Olean to speak with the Senator.” You hesitate when the call comes because you have a million other things to do. I get it. I have been on the receiving end of that call plenty of times. But libraries will have victories, so I always followed through.

 

Thank you to everyone who followed through on my emails and phone calls this past spring. Our coordinated visits to both Senate representatives were a great success. STLS is always happy to serve as an advocate for our member libraries. And your support matters.

 

Bullet Aid should arrive at member libraries this fall. Before you determine how to spend these funds, please take a moment to email…
 
Senator Thomas O’Mara (omara@nysenate.gov) or
Senator Catharine Young (cyoung@nysenate.gov).

 

Their library mindfulness is highly valued, and they remember when libraries show appreciation.

 

Have a great weekend, STLS.

 

Kindest Regards,

Brian Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System

Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
Read past Friday Follow-ups: http://www.stls.org/blog

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Social Media News: Facebook Takes the Lead http://www.stls.org/public-services/social-media-news-facebook-takes-the-lead/ http://www.stls.org/public-services/social-media-news-facebook-takes-the-lead/#respond Wed, 06 Jul 2016 20:10:02 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113802 According to a recent Pew Research Report, 62% of U.S. adults get news on social media. Most (44%) say they get news from Facebook, followed by YouTube and Twitter. Of those who get news on at least one of the social media sites, 64% get news on just one (most commonly Facebook).

What does this mean for libraries? When sharing library-related information on social media, it would seem that Facebook still is your best bet (at least for reaching an adult audience).

Related Article: http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/07/pew-report-facebook-most-popular-platform-for-seeking-information/ ( includes link to a TechSoup article on how to improve your library Facebook page).

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Social Justice is a Core Library Value – an interview with Eli Guinnee http://www.stls.org/podcast/social-justice-is-a-core-library-value-an-interview-with-eli-guinnee/ Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:00:52 +0000 http://www.stls.org/?p=113699 Eli Guinnee is a super fabulous librarian. He’s a co-creator in the NYLA Sustainability Initiative and the editor of The Best! newsletter of the Rural Libraries Round Table. Oh, and he’s Executive Director of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System.

What’s really the thing about Eli, is that he understands the work of librarians to be the work of improving society. Oh, also, he and I fight a lot about whether or not adult services matter (jhk).

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Eli Guinnee is a super fabulous librarian. He’s a co-creator in the NYLA Sustainability Initiative and the editor of The Best! newsletter of the Rural Libraries Round Table. Oh, and he’s Executive Director of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. Eli Guinnee is a super fabulous librarian. He’s a co-creator in the NYLA Sustainability Initiative and the editor of The Best! newsletter of the Rural Libraries Round Table. Oh, and he’s Executive Director of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. What’s really the thing about Eli, is that he understands the work of librarians to be the Blog – Southern Tier Library System
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