QandANJ: Brief Update on NJLA Reference Section Meeting of May 13th

On Friday, May 13th, approximately 60 people turned out at the Princeton Public Library to participate in the NJLA Reference Section meeting convened to discuss the future of QandANJ.  Many people drove lotsa miles to be there, and represented all types of libraries and library organizations; publics, academics, association, consortia.  It was wonderful to hear so many independent voices from all over the state speak overwhelmingly and passionately in support of keeping QandANJ alive.

The two big pieces of news:

1.  LibraryLinkNJ Executive Director Cheryl O'Connor announced that her Board had voted unanimously to accept an extra $50,000 from the State Library and continue to run QandANJ through early September.  A big thanks to LibraryLinkNJ Board members and Cheryl O'Connor!
2. The NJLA Executive Board will appoint a Task Force to chart out a path forward for QandANJ

Cheryl, along with QandANJ Project Coordinator Beth Cackowski, had already done a good deal of analysis on how far $50,000 takes us, and they presented a number of spending scenarios and sought input from the attendees on how the money should be spent.  I would like to again thank Cheryl and Beth not only for the time they've invested -- which was not insignificant -- but also for the their their transparency in sharing their budget numbers, presenting possible spending scenarios, and proactively seeking the input and feedback of the library community.

If there was a recurring theme of the day I'd say it was transparency.  A good part of the afternoon was spent in small group discussions aimed, ostensibly, at providing guidance for the as-yet-unnamed Task Force.  During report-backs from the groups the issue of transparency came up repeatedly.  Whatever happens to QandANJ -- or any other shared service -- in the future, we want to be part of an informed discussion and offer input into how our limited shared resources are used.

Again, progress was made on Friday.  But there is also a lot of work ahead.  The as-yet-unnamed Task Force will have its work cut out for it, and a fairly short timeline in which to operate. The clock is ticking.  Stay tuned... (or follow along on Facebook.)

Note added 5/16, 10:45 AM:  A HUGE if belated public thank you to Michael Maziekien, NJLA Reference Section Chair, and the NJLA Reference Section for calling this meeting in spite of pushbacks from those who thought an open discussion was either unnecessary or otherwise politically problematic.  I am greatly appreciative of Michael's leadership, sense of professional responsibility, and the amazing integrity and fairness he has displayed throughout this process. 

See Also:

• Andy Woodworth's take on the day
• My quick-n-dirty handout on QandANJ

Workplace Leadership and Learning

Workplace Learning & Leadership: A Handbook for Library and Nonprofit Trainers
By Lori Reed and Paul Signorelli

Congratulations to my good friends Lori Reed and Paul Signorelli on the publication of their new book: Workplace Learning & Leadership: A Handbook for Library and Nonprofit Trainers, published by ALA Editions.

I am honored to have been interviewed for the book, and humbled to be in the company of the other distinguished interviewees including:

• Helene Blowers, Director of Digital Strategy, Columbus Metropolitan Library
• Char Booth, Instruction Services Manager & E-Learning Librarian, Claremont Colleges Library
• Maurice Coleman, Technical Trainer, Harford County Library
• Janet Hildebrand, Library Human Resources Manager, Contra Costa County Library
• Jason Puckett, Communication Librarian at Georgia State University Library
• Sandra Smith, Learning and Development Manager at Denver Public Library
• Jay Turner, Director of Continuing Education for the Georgia Public Library Service
• Catherine Vaughn, Continuing Education Coordinator, Lee County Library System
• Pat Wagner, Pattern Research, Inc, Denver, CO
• Louise Whitaker, Coordinator Training & Staff Development, Pioneer Library System

I've read through the book twice, and I'm sure I'll be going back to it again and again.  The book is a must have for anyone doing training and staff development.  But at heart I think the book is a primer on leadership, which happens to overlay neatly with the skills and mindset required to be an effective teacher/facilitator.  Strategic thinking, listening,  big-picture thinking, partnering, engaging and empowering others-- these are the themes that emerge and re-emerge in conversations throughout the book.  I highly recommend it!