My team is working through Jim Collins' excellent book "Good to Great". We have been able to translate it for our library using his addendum for the Social Sector, except that we've hit a stumbling block we can't seem to get past. Can anyone out there help us determine/develop a Hedgehog Concept for a library?
We've identified our passions, what we are/can be best at, and our resources, but are struggling to distill all the various elements into a simple, brief, and deep statement.
We like Vancouver PL's mission/vision statement: "To enrich all, to reach all" but there is argument that it is too vague. Some feel that most any non-profit could adopt such a statement.
So here's the pitch. Can anyone out there help us develop a Hedgehog Concept for a public library? If you aren't familiar with the term, check out Collins' book (or website at www.jimcollins.com ). It has much to offer libraries.
I'll be here, waiting for replies. Please help us move our library to the next level!
Thanks,
Dave
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Getting a Library Card...or not
How much ID is needed to secure our collections without causing undue hostility in patrons?
We're struggling with this. Right now you must show 2 IDs, both with the correct address, your name, and a recent date (for mail) or an expiration date (for car registration). Our patrons get really irate with the requirements, especially once they are a patron in good standing but it's time to renew their card and they can't check anything out because they don't have 'proper' ID with them.
I'm working with my circulation staff to lighten the requirements, but it's amazing to me how many people lie to the library! This is a political football in our area also, because we seem to draw an inordinant number of non-residents to our city library and the city council is adamant that we should serve residents first.
People who live in Detroit but want their children to have the advantage of the better Southfield schools will rent an apartment for one month to establish residency, then let it go. Of course, during that month they come get a library card also.
I'm curious as to whether other libraries have the same difficulties. Please leave me a comment if you have an opinion or helpful solution. Thanks, Dave
We're struggling with this. Right now you must show 2 IDs, both with the correct address, your name, and a recent date (for mail) or an expiration date (for car registration). Our patrons get really irate with the requirements, especially once they are a patron in good standing but it's time to renew their card and they can't check anything out because they don't have 'proper' ID with them.
I'm working with my circulation staff to lighten the requirements, but it's amazing to me how many people lie to the library! This is a political football in our area also, because we seem to draw an inordinant number of non-residents to our city library and the city council is adamant that we should serve residents first.
People who live in Detroit but want their children to have the advantage of the better Southfield schools will rent an apartment for one month to establish residency, then let it go. Of course, during that month they come get a library card also.
I'm curious as to whether other libraries have the same difficulties. Please leave me a comment if you have an opinion or helpful solution. Thanks, Dave
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Initial Post
The Hoosier Librarian has become a Michigander! That's right, I'm now in my third month at the Southfield Public Library (a wonder you must visit if you are a library person!). I'm official now, with Michigan plates on my car and a Michigan Driver's License. And, it only took 6 visits to the Secretary of State's offices to get the change made!
My family is preparing for a move in June. Our house is on the market and we have once all picked out up here in lovely SE Michigan. The community has been overwhelmingly welcoming to me - with both co-workers and patrons showing great enthusiasm and warmth to me. It's been a great experience! Even strangers have been friendly and helpful when asked questions about "where am I" or "how do I get to...". An auspicious beginning to a new chapter in our family's life.
About the library... We have been in the new facility for about 4 years, which has allowed us to work out the various bugs related to any new building. Now the staff and board are looking forward to creating a blueprint for the future. In that vein, we have begun mapping out how we plan to conduct development of a strategic and long range plan. It's something that we undertake with all seriousness as we really want to prepare our community for future successes. We anticipate reaching out to the business community, other city departments, the religious communities, civic groups and schools to identify the needs, wishes, wants & desires of Southfield. This is an exciting time to lead such a great group!
I've been energized and impressed with the people gathered by my predecessor, Doug Zyskowski. He assembled a team that works well together, thinks things through, and can accomplish whatever tasks we may discover with efficiency and effectiveness. What a legacy I've inherited!
Time to go to another meeting. This post is the first of a new chapter. Talk to you soon. Dave
My family is preparing for a move in June. Our house is on the market and we have once all picked out up here in lovely SE Michigan. The community has been overwhelmingly welcoming to me - with both co-workers and patrons showing great enthusiasm and warmth to me. It's been a great experience! Even strangers have been friendly and helpful when asked questions about "where am I" or "how do I get to...". An auspicious beginning to a new chapter in our family's life.
About the library... We have been in the new facility for about 4 years, which has allowed us to work out the various bugs related to any new building. Now the staff and board are looking forward to creating a blueprint for the future. In that vein, we have begun mapping out how we plan to conduct development of a strategic and long range plan. It's something that we undertake with all seriousness as we really want to prepare our community for future successes. We anticipate reaching out to the business community, other city departments, the religious communities, civic groups and schools to identify the needs, wishes, wants & desires of Southfield. This is an exciting time to lead such a great group!
I've been energized and impressed with the people gathered by my predecessor, Doug Zyskowski. He assembled a team that works well together, thinks things through, and can accomplish whatever tasks we may discover with efficiency and effectiveness. What a legacy I've inherited!
Time to go to another meeting. This post is the first of a new chapter. Talk to you soon. Dave
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