Michael Stephens on Librarianship 2.0

Read Michael Stephens' article, Into the New World of Librarianship, here.

I want to be this librarian, don't you?

Librarian 2.0 also listens to staff and users when planning, tells the stories of successes and failures, learns from both, celebrates those successes, allows staff time to play and learn, and never stops dreaming about the best library services.

One of the greatest things about a small/rural library is that you can wake up, decide to be Librarian 2.0, and put your decision into action that very day. The small guys have a certain amount of flexibility and immediacy that eludes the big guys. So, order a pizza, gather your staff & volunteers, make your plan and GO!

-Deb

It Never Hurts to be Reminded....

Love a Librarian by Martha Brockenbrough

The Feel-good Librarian reminds us why we do this.

Become a RLC volunteer - contact Deb to find out more!

Read this Blog!

State librarian Nancy Robertson is blogging her travels around the state. Read all about Nancy in Libraryland here.

Another great resource for keeping up with the Michigan library community is Michlib-L, the statewide library listserv. If you aren't a subscriber, please take a minute to join the list.

Michigan Rocks!

Look what I found in the results of my Google News search for "michigan libraries":
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/05/28/library_sheds_stuffy_image_with_rock_band/

An article in the Boston Globe that mentions our very own Bill Harmer from Chelsea District Library! Seems Bill's idea to host rock concerts at the library is catching on nationwide!

I know that all of our Michigan libraries have great programs and unique ideas to share. What's happening at your library this summer? Don't be shy -- the easiest form of advocacy is word-of-mouth. Let your patrons, your community, and your state library community know what you are doing and why you matter.

The User Is Not Broken

From Karen Schneider:

The user is not "remote." You, the librarian, are remote, and it is your
job to close that gap.

Read the rest of Karen's manifesto, The User Is Not Broken, and share your comments.

Another of my favorites - The Cluetrain Manifesto - is here.

(Thanks to Sue for the reference to Karen's piece)

Mid-June Update

Now that the annual Beginning Workshop is over, RLC 2007 planning is full steam ahead. Please consider volunteering, commenting on this blog, or submitting a program proposal.

Interested? Visit www.michigan.gov/ldds or email me at bacon-zieglerd AT michigan DOT gov.

The Americans for Libraries Council just released its report Long Overdue: A Fresh Look at Public Attitudes About Libraries in the 21st Century. For the full text of the report, click here. The report and supplemental materials are excellent tools for your local advocacy efforts.

Have you seen the Library Success Wiki? Have a look. Or better yet, contribute.

Speaking of small and rural, everyone is cheering the Soca Warriors on against England tomorrow, right? Go T&T!!!!!

Finally, for a bit of fun, check out Karen Schneider's latest creation over at Free Range Librarian.

-Deb