If you have read any of my posts, you know I believe in librarians. Above all, we are here to provide a service to the people in our communities. We assist in finding resources for educational or entertainment purposes and are committed to bringing technology and new research to our patrons. We respect privacy, freedom … Continue reading Mental Health & Library Patrons
Thinking about 2015 and looking forward to 2016. After completing my masters degree in December 2014, I decided to make 2015 a year to figure out how I could utilize my experiences to help others. I started by offering to help more people - resume assistance and volunteering. I also wanted to start writing again. … Continue reading Be Beautiful
Whether you are a writer, a painter, or a librarian - there is nothing like that spark of inspiration. If you are privileged enough to attend conferences in your field, the part that is most fun is when an idea strikes you and you think "Oh! Yes! I can...." One of the best parts of … Continue reading When inspiration strikes
Lately I have been speaking to a lot of senior citizen groups. I was reluctant to state my obvious message - but I said it anyway. If a library appears on your property tax bill, like it does in my town, you are paying for library services and materials. So I ask, if you are … Continue reading Own your library card
Are you new at your job? Or, have you been in your field for years and have to learn a new skill? Congratulations! You're a newbie. We are all new at things when we are first learning them. Sure, we want to put our best foot forward and be confident. Just remember - we have some … Continue reading News for newbies
If you have kids, are involved in your community, or part of an organization - you have meetings to attend. We are surrounded by meetings at work: one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions, reviews, team meetings, task forces, committees, community meetings, etc. Meetings should have a purpose, those involved should have a reason to be there, and … Continue reading Another meeting? Make it a good one.
I hold a service philosophy close to my heart. Over eight years ago, I started putting this service model into words. I call it PCCM. Many stores have shifted their focus to customer service and can easily fit into this service model. No matter if you work in a library, in a grocery store, a … Continue reading Putting my service model into words – PCCM
Being a good manager boils down to three points: Communication, Knowledge, and Honesty. They are vital - to have buy-in, to be productive, and to solve problems. Effective managing is a balance between being professional and being human. Honesty. No matter what level of management, you have to respect the hierarchy. You are never the … Continue reading So you want to be a manager… a good one.
Work can be stressful. Sometimes a situation can be so horrible, it's incapacitating. Men and women both perceive and deal with stress differently (see the attached article from WebMD). But, both sexes need to focus on practical steps. You are, after all, more than your job. You deserve to live your life without debilitating stress. … Continue reading Stressed? Don’t let your job kill you…
I really can't swim. My parents took me for swim lessons at the local YMCA when I was younger. I remember my cute matching lion swimsuit, being in the wrong swim group, crying, and a shark. Matching? My sister and I are two years apart and we were often dressed the same. She likes to … Continue reading Can’t swim. But, I’m in the pool.
I love reading inspirational quotes. Every now and again, we all need them. They help renew our faith in life, love, and people. They help put things into perspective. They help bring meaning back into our lives. This morning I read and shared a quote from Steve Harvey "There is Joy in the Journey". I … Continue reading Where do you start? How about Kindergarten.
You're not alone - when you are part of a team - though, sometimes, you may want to be. Teamwork is a popular concept. During job interviews, the employer tries to figure out if you play nice with others. When you are in school, you work in groups. Even at home, it's easier to get … Continue reading You’re not alone – when you are part of a team
I love to people watch. But not the creepy kind of people watching. Just the people fascinate me kind of people watching. I was watching an episode of TNG and I laughed because Data's role in the episode was to be fascinated by people doing ordinary things. That is so me. And that episode got … Continue reading Smile – even when you don’t want to: customer service
This has been my hardest post to write so far. I think it's because I am looking for my next adventure and I'm stuck. I spend a lot of time checking off things I've wanted to accomplish. I finished my master degree. I went on short vacation for my anniversary. I bought myself a bicycle … Continue reading Reinventing Yourself
Outreach simply means reaching out to your community. You don't have to leave your desk to connect with the community - but it helps. You don't need a bookmobile or a vehicle. You don't even need to be a librarian. I have learned firsthand from some of my patrons - it is up to us … Continue reading What Outreach means to me…
So much to do. So little time. Know thyself. Me? Type-A personality & ADD. I need goals, lists, and stick notes to help keep me on track. I try to remember I can only do one thing at a time - successfully. I get bored easily and I can be hard on myself. I'm grateful … Continue reading Organized chaos
Have you used Google? Go Google that! It's a company. It's a noun. It's a verb. In 2015, Google was reported to be worth over 350 billion dollars. Let's embrace it and learn how to use it properly. Google is very easy to use. You simply type in your keywords - then the world opens … Continue reading How do you find it? Google. Oh Google.
Based on my readings in 2015, there are overall 5 skills you need in finding a job in today’s market. You need to: Be an exceptional communicator – who listens and conveys information effectively both verbally and in writing. Be able to demonstrate analytical thinking – identify, review, improve, and streamline processes. Be computer literate … Continue reading Need more job hunting tips? It can be overwhelming. Here are a few.
In my career I have read thousands of resumes. In the past ten years I have been assisting colleagues, family, and friends in creating resumes. In general, resumes have the same basic information. As you apply to different positions, you may find you need to tweak your resume. And of course, you want to verify … Continue reading Resume Basics
I believe in having fun - in everything I do. It helps with boredom, anxiety, and stress. It would be great to have adult playtime along side child playtime events at the library. Crafts, painting, book clubs, movies, coloring therapy.... why not? Sounds like fun and little stress. Go to your library, join an online … Continue reading How old are you? Take time to play, color, and have fun.
