The Power of Less

I appreciate recommendations from my colleagues on resources that have helped them work more efficiently and effectively.  So I want to pass along a book recommendation to you:  The Power of Less (2009) by Leo Babauta.  Chinook Arch owns a print copy and a downloadable audiobook (WMA format only, sorry Apple users!).

Babauta grabbed my attention by outlining some of the good habits he established in a few short years by focusing on one change at a time.  These changes eventually turned him into a new man--fitter, happier, more productive, more social, more successful!

What I like about this book is that it offers principles that guide you in limiting yourself (what?!)...to the essentials, to what you identify as most important in your life, to smaller tasks that lead you towards your bigger, long-term goals.  Babauta provides tips for applying his principles at work and at home, and the potential for holistic benefits is exciting!

Here's a copy of the table of contents:

PART I: THE PRINCIPLES
1. Why Less is Powerful
2. The Art of Setting Limits
3. Choosing the Essential, and Simplifying
4. Simple Focus
5. Create New Habits, and the Power of Less Challenge
6. Start Small

PART II: IN PRACTICE
7. Simple Goals and Projects
8. Simple Tasks
9. Simple Time Management
10. Simple Email
11. Simple Internet
12. Simple Filing
13. Simple Commitments
14. Simple Daily Routine
15. Declutter Your Work Space
16. Slow Down
17. Simple Health and Fitness
18. On Motivation


So far, I've used his tips to help me with email management.  In the last couple days, I've dealt with a couple hundred emails using Babauta's recommendations.  Now I have 7 items in my work email inbox and a strategy for keeping that number low.

On the home front, lately I've declined a number of opportunities and activities that are well and good but that aren't in line with the "essentials" that The Power of Less has helped me to identify.  Babauta has also reminded me to focus on "single tasking" rather than multitasking (something I've never excelled at anyway), and doing the most important things BEFORE other tasks.  I've been experiencing the elation that comes from getting that one important thing done first thing in the morning, and it really helps build momentum for the rest of the day, both at home and at work.

People who work in the library world typically have many diverse tasks to handle in a day, and it's a challenge to develop tactics that make us feel successful in managing our responsibilities.  In a short time, I've gleaned some helpful, perspective-shifting tips from Leo Babauta, and I can't help but think he'll have some tips that work for you!

You can check out the author's website for this title - thepowerofless.com. 
He also has a blog at zenhabits.net.

E-books: Present and Future

Earlier this week, staff from Chinook Arch headquarters and a number of our member libraries participated in a webinar about the 'present and future of e-books.'  We listened to the webinar and then discussed the issues surrounding this 'hot button' topic.  In an effort to generate more discussion or just some 'food for thought,' here are the facts and opinions of the speaker (in black) and the opinions of the group (in red).

Present:

• 43% of American adults report that they have read an e-book, but 88% of those surveyed said that they had also read printed books in the past 12 months.   
• Many people seem to like the instant availability of e-books and don't seem to have trouble finding the content that they want.
• When asked which format was better for specific purposes, people preferred paper for reading to children, sharing books and reading books in bed.  They preferred the wide selection of e-books available (over paper books), the ease of travelling with an e-book and the ability to get an e-book quickly.  The presenter, Peter Atkinson (St. Thomas Public Library) remarked that on average, consumers are finding a nice balance in their use of e-books vs. paper books. 
• The average e-book user is on the younger side (18-49) and makes between $50 000 - $75 000/year.   
• E-book users are more likely to use a library's other e-resources such as databases, attend library events, borrow more than average users (of print and e-books) and buy and read more books in general.
• Atkinson noted that tablet and e-reader sales are continually rising and he thought it likely that devices that can access an "app store" would be increasingly more popular among e-book readers as there would be no need for a computer intermediary. 

Future:

• Publishers have a love/hate relationship with e-books, they cost pennies (vs. dollars)  to make extra copies, but they come with fears of piracy, fear of libraries and a fear of losing control.  
• Publishers are losing influence and are being driven more by user demand.  This is part of the 'fear of losing control.'  Any one can use a word processor or online tool such as Lulu to create their own e-book without a publisher acting as the middle man. Libraries may have more opportunities to partner with smaller/independent publishers in the future as this becomes a more popular way of publishing.
• Devices are moving towards better quality, lower price models with more functionality.  Devices that act only as e-readers will most likely be a thing of the past.  E-ink is the only real barrier at present to going away from e-reader only devices.  If a company can come up with a way to make an 'e-ink setting' then this will become the reality.
• E-books themselves may become more interactive and more 'social.'  Kobo already has "Reading Life" that allows users to post directly to Facebook, share passages with friends, track usage, earn badges and compare with other readers.  There will likely be more and more of this over time. 
• Kobos, Nooks and other readers are already collecting data on usage - for example - "the average Kobo reader finishes the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy in seven hours; about 57 pages an hour."  This type of information is very valuable to publishers as it tells them when and for how long, etc. people are reading. 
• Future e-books may contain more graphics and photos, touch screen actions, embedded video, sounds and personalization (your name in the book, etc.).  There is already a website for readers who would like a soundtrack to go along with their reading - www.booktrack.com. 
• Many books for children are already available to download with extra features like moving animals and sound effects.  Children really seem to love these extras, but it seems less likely that adults would feel the same way.  Generational differences are obvious - kids/teens may like interactive and social media aspects more than adults who may want to escape from being 'always on.'
• Atkinson theorized that there might even be 'bonus features' (like on a DVD) to go along with e-books. Extras like author interviews, alternate endings, deleted chapters, etc. would be meant to enhance the reading experience.  
• Most in the group agreed that they would not enjoy stopping their reading flow to watch a video or other extra content.  It was also mentioned that this might ruin the imaginative process involved in reading whereby people generate character and setting images in their own minds.  Additional content if made available shouldn't disrupt the narrative.

65% of library patrons don't know their library even has e-books and e-book checkouts are still less than 3% of total checkouts.  Will this continually increase?  Probably.  What will libraries do when 10% or more patrons want e-books?  Atkinson suggested that some libraries would perhaps not need a building at all in the (distant) future.

Without paper books users would lose serendipitous opportunities to find new books that now comes from browsing the shelves.  Access to information would be controlled even more by publishers and by what they decide to make available in e-book form.  

The group did not agree with Atkinson that library buildings will cease to exist as they remain one of the last public spaces and are valued as such.  If libraries bought fewer paper books there would simply be more space for programming, seating areas, computers, etc.

Both e-books and paper books will continue to co-exist for decades to come until publisher greed causes e-books to dominate the market.  

If you would like to add anything to the discussion or if you were there and I missed something, please share it in the comments section.

(Source: The Present and Future of E-books with Peter Atkinson, Education Institute, 2013)

Blind Date with a Library Book

A very cute photo has been making the rounds on Facebook and Reddit, causing some stir. With Valentine's Day a week away, I thought it would be the perfect topic for today's blog post.

The below picture is the one that has been recently circulating. It was posted with this caption, "My local library branch started doing this 'Blind Date with a Book' thing, though you guys might like it. The shelf was full when we got there, but was like this as we were leaving. The books are wrapped in paper and have different designs on them, and then a few words vaguely describing the subject matter of the book. Things like 'Drama', 'Plot Twists', 'espionage', etc. The only thing exposed on the book is the barcode that you use to scan the book out. I thought it was a pretty cool idea." 

When I poked around a bit, I found a number of other libraries that are doing or have done similar "Blind Date with a Book" programs. Some great examples include:
 

• Ashe County Public Library, West Jefferson, North Carolina
• Bacon Memorial Library in Wyandotte, Michigan
• Boise Public Library, in Boise, Idaho
• Rockville Centre Public Library in Rockville, New York

Besides these, I found many, many more programs by just running a Google search for "Blind Date with a Library Book." All programs run along similar lines, with the books wrapped in paper with some description written on the outside, but there were variations such as "Rate Your Date" bookmarks that can be submitted for a draw and teen books labeled with specific ages that they are appropriate for. However it is done though, it seems to be a massive crowd pleaser, fully of whimsy and fun. If your library has been looking for a little romance, look no further!

Ideas for Serving Diverse Communities

At the Alberta Library Conference last spring, I was sitting in on a session that discussed serving the needs of newcomers to Canada and I heard a quote that struck a chord in me – “What harbor can receive you more securely than a great library?”  The quote is from Italo Calvino’s If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller and if I had a quote in my email signature, this would it be it. Public libraries have a long history of serving the shaping demographics in their communities and being central spaces for everyone to come and find information and entertainment. In the fall of 2012, Public Libraries Online published the article, “Meeting the Needs of Diverse Communities,” written by a PLA Contributor which focussed on New Jersey’s Piscataway Public Library's (PPL) initiatives to better serve their diverse communities. I've outlined these ideas below - click here to read the full article from Public Libraries Online. 

1.       Going straight to the source: The librarians at PPL wanted to directly elicit the opinions of those patrons who regularly read multilingual materials.  They first tried to approach patrons in person while they were browsing the shelves but found this route too abrasive.  Alternatively, they decided to approach patrons through a printed survey which they kept at the circulation desk and would hand out each time a multilingual book was checked out. They found that users were more open and honest in filling out the survey than they would be speaking face to face with library staff and they were able to use this information to further develop their collections. 

2.       Facilitating better communication:  The library created a welcoming space by ensuring that signage in the library included translations in other languages to better guide users in the library.  With inspiration from the Philadelphia Free Public Library, they created a “Translation Aid.”  This is a flip chart containing commonly used library phrases and questions such as “I have a book on hold.”  Library staff were also able to use this station with patrons to point to essential questions such as “Do you need a library card?”     

3.       Multicultural programming:  PPL’s Diversity Committee works to develop programs that celebrate ethnic diversity and heritage.  They used a display case to feature cultural items brought in by patrons.  It houses art, pottery, traditional costumes, and other cultural artifacts.  This helped library staff and patrons become familiar with a variety of customs and traditions. They noted that, “The consistent theme, however, was the positive results gained by involving library staff and users in efforts to promote communication and understanding.”

Get out of the cold and in to the library!

It's January and even though it's +8 C outside this afternoon it might be a good time to bring a few more people out of the cold and into the library.  

To help, I've compiled a (definitely not exhaustive) list of cool and engaging programs that you could implement this year - there's a little something for everyone.

• Book Club in a Bar http://letterstoayounglibrarian.blogspot.ca/2013/01/the-modern-book-club-meets-    in-bar-by.html
• Book Club in a Cafe (for teens) - check out Lethbridge Public Library's 'Caffiene High' for details http://www.lethlib.ca/node/2294/delta/4
• Human Library http://humanlibrary.org/
• Fort Friday http://www.allfortheboys.com/home/tag/fort-friday
• Minute to Win It http://www.nbc.com/minute-to-win-it/how-to/
• Hunger Games http://pinterest.com/mamadsen/library-ideas-hunger-games/
• Anything involving Mod Podge http://modpodgerocksblog.com/
• Upcycling http://pinterest.com/hipcycle/random-upcycling-ideas/
• Paint Chip Mosaics http://freshartists.org/blog/2010/05/01/fresh-artists-sign-studio-launches-with-first-client/
• Introduction to Bridge
• Scrabble Tournament
• Antiques Roadshow
• Terrarium Building http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=terrarium
• Parkland Regional Library has put together this great Programming Guide (lots of program ideas and tip s http://www.prl.ab.ca/files/Library_Programming_Guide_0.pdf
• LibSuccess Wiki http://www.libsuccess.org/Programs_for_Adults
• And even more ideas from Pinterest http://pinterest.com/mammabird12/adult-library-program-ideas/

As I said above, this is not an exhaustive list by any means, but I did think these were some cool ideas that might bring a few new people in to the library. 

What Would Walt Do?

On Wednesday, December 12, most Chinook Arch staff attended a webinar called What Would Walt Do?: Quality CustomerService for Libraries. The presenters – Crystal Schimpf, Program Manager at the Community Technology Network, Elena Rosenfeld, Associate Director of Public Service at High Plains Library District, and Suzanne McGowan, Branch Manager at Anythink Wright Farms – had all attended the Disney Quality Service pre-conference workshop at ALA’s Annual Conference in Anaheim, California this past year and were excited to be able to share with us some of the things they had learned about Disney’s innovative customer service model.

Personal Expression: Using a story about a Dixeland band she watched in Disneyland's New Orlean’s Square, Crystal demonstrated how each employee is allowed to infuse their work with their own personal purpose. By allowing staff the freedom to express themselves, she argued that libraries can bring a higher quality of customer services and new experiences to their patrons.

Everyone is Responsible: Crystal explained how all Disneyland cast members (staff) are responsible for picking up trash, even the CEO. The park provides the infrastructure to enable this shared responsibility by placing trashcans close together. You should never have to walk more than 20 steps to a garbage can in the park. We were urged to consider how in libraries undesirable jobs can often be assigned to certain levels of staff and what we could do to create more equal levels of responsibility.

Priorities, Operating Principles, and Decisions Making Tools: Like Disney, a library should set up their employees to succeed. Elena revealed that Disney has four priorities to help guide their cast members. These priorities are Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency and they are ranked in this order. Safety is paramount because you want customers to be physically able to return and Show comes before Efficiency because people visit Disneyland to experience the stories and the magic.

After attending the workshop, Elena and her co-workers were looking at the Operating Priorities of High Plains Library District, which are internal measures of success. They decided that in order to help staff interacting with library patrons they would translate these priorities into Decision Making Tools. While not official yet, their preliminary tools are: 1.) Safety  2.) People Leave on a Good  Note  3.) Minimize Handoffs.

Obvious Questions: Susan talked about how Disney collects the most commonly asked questions and then prepares all levels of staff to answer what people are really asking when they make these inquiries. Having just asked one of these questions a few days earlier – When is the 7 pm light show? – Susan experienced firsthand how a cast member in charge of picking up garbage was able to direct her and her daughter to a perfect spot to watch from. If they do not already, libraries should gather the most asked questions and inform all staff about the best way to answer them.

Authenticity: At Disneyland cast members are not scripted but given very simple tools to infuse their interactions with authenticity. Susan described her own experience of watching her daughter receive a handshake from a man dressed as Russell from the movie “Up.” Susan was humbled and awed by how the costumed cast member focused on her daughter while shaking her hand, genuinely congratulating her as if she had really earned her Wilderness Explorer badges.

Magic Moments: With the right tools to give all staff the same purpose and goals, magic moments can be achieved. To show how this can happen, Susan described a moment that she had at Ariel’s Grotto. In the busy diner full of cast members, wait staff, and customers, Cinderella had approached their table, smiled, and whispered “Happy Birthday!” to Susan’s ecstatic daughter in a way that was both touching and special. Susan explained that this cast member went the extra mile to provide this magical moment and make them eager to return.

Simplicity: Susan expected that a Fortune 500 company would have a complex customer service toolkit for their staff to follow. Not so! Every Disneyland cast member has the same toolkit, which is small enough to fit on a single laminated business card. All levels of staff follow the toolkit and allows all cast members to feel empowered in their roles. As the toolkit is only given out to graduates of the Disney Institute and cast members, Susan was not able to find one by searching online.

In closing Susan said, “If you can start with a smile and end with a “Thank you!” and build a service model that has input from staff and purpose for staff, then you too will have Disney quality service!”

The Conference Argument

With the Southern Alberta Library Conference (SALC) just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to talk about conferences and why they are so important. As a library staff person you might find yourself in the position of having to convince your supervisor or Board to spend the money to send you to a conference or two. As Board Members, you may have to convince fellow trustees of the importance of attending conferences. The tips below will help you be more persuasive.

Be sure to explain the benefits of attending conferences:

• Learning new ideas, techniques and strategies to bring back to your library and community. These can result in new and innovative services, unique ways of reaching patrons new and old, and even cost and time savings.
• Networking and relationship building opportunities:
• You will meet library colleagues (staff and trustees) from around the province, country or even world! These colleagues can be an important support network for asking for advice, finding new ways to solve old problems and building partnerships. 
• You will meet vendors, which will allow you to learn about new products and services for your library. It will also allow you to comparison shop and find ways to maximize your budget, more quickly and easily than you could from your office.
• You may even have the chance to speak with funders and decision-makers - a great opportunity to advocate for the library.
• Conferences are a great way to re-energize yourself. There are so many ideas flowing at conferences that there will likely be at least one thing (if not many more) that gets you excited. It will renew your passion for your job and get you excited to try something new. The energy and passion for libraries at conferences is infectious and inspirational.

When asking for the support of your Board (or fellow Board members) to attend a conference, be prepared:

• Gather all the information you will need about costs.  What costs are you asking them to cover? There is the registration fee, the cost of a hotel room, and the cost of travel. Of course, costs might also include having someone cover for you at the library, and meals (this cost is covered in the registration fees of some conferences - including SALC). Ensure that you register early if possible, as usually there are cost savings for doing so. You may also want to consider membership in the organization running the conference, as this sometimes saves money as well.
• Look at the program, and plan your sessions and other conference events. This will help you explain what sorts of things you hope to learn, and what people you hope to meet at the conference.
• Put together a plan - how will your duties at the library be covered while you're away? How long will you be gone (i.e. do you need a day or two for travel?). How will you be contacted, if needed, while at the conference?
• Also, let them know how you will use the information you learn at the conference. Will you share it with them? With other staff? How will you implement new ideas upon your return?

Having this information ready will show that you are serious about using this opportunity for professional development and that the library will get a return upon it's investment.

If you haven't already got approval for attending SALC, do it soon! Early bird registration ends on January 11. This conference is extremely affordable and offers lots of networking opportunities.  Register at: http://chinookarchregionallibrarysystem.memberlodge.com/

(Source: "Ask Gayle", Rural Library Services Newsletter, Vol 23, Issue 4, July/Aug 2012)