SOLO LIBRARIAN

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SOLO LIBRARIAN

• LIS 4040
• May 13, 2003
• Chris Cook
• Sarah Knight
• Amy Legg-Rogers
• Cindy Rankin
• Lynda Redman

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INTRODUCTION

• Chris Cook

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INTRODUCTION

• Special libraries
• Corporate, including legal
• Medical--hospital, teaching schools, private
  practices, associations
• Non-Profits, including special interests
• Government, including legislative, correctional
  institutions
• Museums, historical societies, industry-related
  groups, clubs

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INTRODUCTION

• Solo libraries
• All of the above
• A single professional in a small public library
  or branch

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INTRODUCTION

• Important issues in these environments
• Time management
• Marketing
• Networking
• Space Planning
• Professional development

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TIME MANAGEMENT

• Lynda Redman

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TIME MANAGEMENT

• Plan your work
• Make a to do list
• Prioritize Six most important things to do
  list.
• Delegate
• Outsourcing Is it practical?
• Volunteers
• Take Breaks

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TIME MANAGEMENT

• Conversation saving tips
• Telephone saving tips
• Face-to-Face situations
• Time wasters
• Perfectionism
• Procrastination
• Cluttered Desk

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MARKETING

• Sarah Knight

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MARKETING

• What is marketing and its relation to libraries?
• Create products and disseminate information
• View patrons as customers
• Think of marketing as a mindset

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MARKETING

• Recognize your librarys strengths weaknesses
• Work on the weakness
• Promote your strengths

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MARKETING

• Tips to market library resources
• Feed them they will come
• Outreach services
• Freebies
• Blow your own horn

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MARKETING

• Branding
• Provide easy access to online resources
• Persistence!

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SPACE PLANNING

• Cindy Rankin

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SPACE PLANNING

• Dont run around in circles!
• Set up a (physical) work flow
• Inviting environment
• Consolidate equipment

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SPACE PLANNING

• Space Reduction
• Administration driven
• Inventory reduction
• Staff reduction
• Change of flow / function

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SPACE PLANNING

• Space Needs Assessment Survey
• Current space
• Continued growth or reduction
• Personal workspace
• Function areas

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SPACE PLANNING

• Alternative possibility
• Scan / Microfilm everything
• Legal issues
• Originals, signatures
• Repository, headquarters
• Other formats
• Cost, time, outsource

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SPACE PLANNING

• Alternative possibility
• Compact shelving
• Floor durability

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SPACE PLANNING

• First considerations
• If change is not mandated, would one make a
  difference in service?
• If change is required, does your space plan
  reflect the mission and culture of the
  institution?
• Corporate colors, professional standards
• The place of the library in the corporate
  hierarchy.

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NETWORKING

• Amy Legg-Rogers

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NETWORKING

• Network, network, network
• Helps you keep on top of developments
• Provides an opportunity to help others and be
  helped
• Helpful when you are it

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NETWORKING

• Visit other libraries
• Maintain memberships in special interest groups
• Visit exhibits at conferences
• Participate in listservs
• Share informal conversations, compare notes,
  exchange info

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CONCLUSION

• Chris Cook

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CONCLUSION

• Special libraries and solo libraries are not for
  everyone
• Can you thrive in such an environment?
• Are you passionate about your company or
  environment?
• Jack-of-all trades or specialist?
• Working independently, but part of a larger
  team

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CONCLUSION

• Keys to success
• Time management
• Marketing
• Space planning
• Networking

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CONCLUSION

• The work of solo librarians
• Identify and know user
• Service to user
• Collection development
• Reference and research
• Purchasing and cataloging
• Budgeting

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CONCLUSION

• You are not alone
• Your profession has not abandoned you
• Organizations to help you keep your sanity and
  perspective

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Presenters

• Chris Cook (ccook2_at_du.edu)
• Sarah Knight (sknight2_at_du.edu)
• Amy Legg-Rogers (aleggrog_at_du.edu)
• Cindy Rankin (crankin_at_du.edu)
• Lynda Redman (lredman_at_du.edu)