CuriousKind

Tame the Web Guest Post: A Tipping Point for Mindfulness Meditation?

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:50:00 +0000

I am honored to have a guest post up at Tame the Web in honor of the blog's 10th Anniversary.

Happy Anniversary Michael, and thanks for continually using your voice to expand our thinking and uplift the quality and tone of conversation in our profession!

Malcolm Gladwell famously defined the “tipping point” as that magic moment when an idea or practice crosses some invisible threshold, tips, and spreads widely throughout a culture or society. Lately I’ve been wondering if the practice and benefits of mindfulness meditation are hitting that tipping point.

The many benefits of mindfulness meditation have been known to Buddhist monks and western scientists alike for many years. But it is only recently that mindfulness seems to be recognized in the workplace as a valuable practice worth promoting and fostering among employees.

read the rest of the post at Tame the Web

The Very Heart of It. Keynote for Urban Libraries Unite (ULU) Conference, April 5, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:38:00 +0000

Here is the slidedeck from my recent keynote, The Very Heart of It, given at the Urban Libraries Unite (ULU) Conference in Brooklyn, NY on April 5, 2013. Note that the full text of the talk is available as a pdf (with slides) at: http://www.slideshare.net/pbromberg/urban-libraries-unite-ulu-conference-keynote-text-version-wslides

The Very Heart of It. Keynote at Urban Libraries Unite (ULU) Conference from Peter Bromberg

University of Rhode Island GSLIS Keynote: Influence When You Have No Power or Authority

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:52:00 +0000

Here is the slidedeck from my recent keynote, Influence When You Have No Power or Authority, given at the University of Rhode Island GSLIS Conference in Kingston, Rhode Island, March 23, 2013. Note that the text of my talk is available in the notes field of the powerpoint which can be downloaded from Slideshare.

Influence When You Have No Power or Authority from Peter Bromberg

Indiana Library Federation Conference Keynote: FrameChanges (How to Be Effective)

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:23:00 +0000

Please note that the full text of the talk is available at:
http://peterbromberg.com/indiana/FRAMECHANGE.pdf

FrameChanges (How to be Effective) from Peter Bromberg

Support your library PAC: EveryLibrary for every library!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:40:00 +0000

An open letter to the New Jersey Library Community:

Have you heard the news about EveryLibrary, the new PAC being formed to support libraries across the country?

EveryLibrary has the potential to be an enormous help to thousands of libraries, but right now it needs our help to get off the ground. EveryLibrary is conducting a $50,000 fundraising round from September 5 to November 7, 2012 to underwrite the fees associated with its legal filings and to create campaign toolkits, voter education materials, and messaging targeted to 2013 election initiatives.

Please join with other NJ library colleagues in lending your support by clicking here:

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT EVERYLIBRARYEveryLibrary is a nonpartisan PAC registered under section 501c4 of the U.S. Internal Revenue code. Most library associations are organized as 501(c)3 educational associations which are legally prohibited from engaging in direct voter advocacy or funding political campaigns. As a 501(c)4 organization, EveryLibrary can act where these associations (like NJLA and ALA) cannot. The opportunity to fund-raise and directly support library ballot initiatives will be unique in the library world.

EveryLibrary will raise funds nationally and spend them on local library ballot initiatives like tax rates, bonds, and other referenda, as well as serve as a consulting organization for libraries on their political campaigns. As EveryLibrary founder (and former Membership Chair extraordinaire for ALA) John Chrastka says, "Any library ballot initiative anywhere matters to every library everywhere." Check out this great interview with EveryLibrary creator John Chrastka for more info on the EveryLibrary vision.

The brilliant Dave Lankes (who keynoted at our NJLA conference last Spring), writes, “I was very excited to hear about EveryLibrary. A PAC that it is dedicated to…'support these [local library funding] campaigns through non-partisan, pro-library voter education and get out the vote work.' I love it!...More than making folks feel good about libraries, or love reading, here is an organization meant to directly support libraries at the local level with funding."

I've donated to the cause because I believe EveryLibrary will ultimately benefit, well, every library. If the spirit moves you, please show your support for this groundbreaking organization by donating here.

And as long as you have that credit card out why not make a donation to NJLA too- I did! :-)

Thanks everyone,

-Pete

PLA Presentation: Now What: 12 Steps to Thriving in a Different World

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:08:00 +0000

Now What: 12 Steps to Thriving in a Different World

View more PowerPoint from Peter Bromberg

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Mon, 16 May 2011 10:57:00 +0000

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:

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!
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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Sat, 14 May 2011 12:19:00 +0000

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!

Allen County Public Library's "Conversation Series" Video

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:04:00 +0000

I am honored to have been included in Allen County Public Library's Conversation Series, "a collection of interviews about the future of libraries, technology and the role we play in shaping the libraries of tomorrow." Thank you to ACPL's Sean Robinson and Kay Gregg for inviting me to participate in the series and for creating such a beautifully produced video.

Common Sense Librarianship

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 12:54:00 +0000

David Rothman has written* a beautiful, concise "Manifesto of Common Sense Librarianship". I’m not much for manifestos, but I dig this one not only for its content, but for the way it actually walks its own talk. It is clear, concise, and written in a simple yet engaging voice. It’s got style AND substance. For example,

"If you can find something that your library is regarding as more important than user needs, something is very wrong."

Bravo! Head on over to David's blog to read the rest: Common Sense Librarianship: An Ordered List Manifesto.

* David notes that the manifesto resulted "from conversations with really smart and insightful people like Amy Buckland, Kathryn Greenhill, Jenica Rogers, and Maurice Coleman." Tip o' the hat to all y'all.

Is a Boycott of HarperCollins the Right Course of Action at This Time? A response

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Bobbi Newman asks: Is a boycott of HarperCollins the Right Course of Action at This Time?

Below is my response; a slightly edited version of an email I sent to a friend a few days ago.

Dear xxxxxx,

Of course I've been reading about the HarperCollins/Overdrive situation, and it is certainly of concern. However, at this point I am not aligned with the idea that a boycott is the best response.

The larger issue of how digital content is going to be produced and where authors, publishers, and libraries fit into that picture is complex, and I suspect a great big scary unknown for all parties. While I don't agree with HarperCollins' choice, and I don't think it will ultimately be a sustainable choice for them, I am still able to put myself in their shoes and see their point. Libraries want publishers to make econtent available in the same way, and under the same rules as print content. But econtent is fundamentally different in that it does not deteriorate, and thus does not need to be replaced. From the publisher's perspective, what we used to pay for multiple times (as copies wore out) we now want to pay for once.

Again, I don't agree with HarperCollins choice (it's inelegant, clumsy, and I doubt if it will increase their bottom line in the way that they hope) but it is a rational decision. As the owner of the publishing rights, they are free to lay out the terms of any licensing or purchasing agreement, and we are free to say, "yes please, or "no thank you." Thus, I fully support libraries choosing not to by any HarperCollins content through Overdrive, and vote with their dollars in that way. I also support libraries who choose to buy HarperCollins content because it meets the needs of their customers and they find the licensing terms acceptable.

My main concern with a full on boycott is this: I think a boycott is an extremely serious response and should be used very sparingly, and when there are large moral issues at stake, and/or there is an immediate harm (possibly of a long term nature) that needs to be addressed. Boycotts come at the end of talks/negotiations, not as the opening salvo, and not in response to honest disagreements, and only when there is some chance of having a real economic impact-- which I don't see as a possibility in this case.

Publishers are scared because they see that their profit model -- a model based on scarcity and the high cost of distributing physical items-- doesn't make sense any more. Their economic model, their bottom line, is threatened. At the same time libraries are scared and trying to figure out how we can apply the old rules -- rules also based on scarcity, and the cost/labor involved in maintaining/distributing physical items -- to a new digital reality. There has always been a tension between publishers and libraries, as publishers want to sell multiple copies and it's easy (if shortsighted) to perceive libraries as cutting into sales. But most publishers are also enlightened enough to see that libraries help them by cultivating readers, thereby supporting and enlarging their consumer base (as pointed out here http://www.courtneymilan.com/ramblings/2011/02/25/on-eating-your-seed-corn among other places.)

I would prefer that before getting into talk of a boycott we acknowledge that publishers have legitimate concerns, and ask them to acknowledge that libraries are -- above all other institutions -- well-positioned to HELP their bottom line. So let's talk about how we can develop sales/licensing agreements that make sense for all of us. Let's not demonize each other. Let's get the authors (many of who want nothing more than to be read widely, and are huge library supporters) into the conversation, and get them advocating for us with publishers. (See Eric Flint and Marilyn Johnson's posts, among many others.)

So that's where I'm at with things in the moment. I hope that HarperCollins comes back to the table and renegotiates with Overdrive putting more reasonable options on the table. I hope that I'm wrong and calls to boycott them bring about some positive development. But as I'm not in alignment with this choice I cannot offer my support at this time.

See also: Posts that have resonated strongly with me

Artificial Scarcity: I attempt to identify the root cause of the #HCOD debacle - Nicholas Schiller
The Bain Free Library: Comment by Eric Flint, Bain Books
HCOD, eBook User Bill of Rights and Math - Sarah Glassmeyer
Boycott? Bad Idea - Reverse Snowglobe blog
A message from OverDrive on HarperCollins’ new eBook licensing terms (see discussion in comments section too) - Steve Potash, et al.

Future-Minded

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:45:00 +0000

CC 2.0 Flickr User griraffes

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for any blog post that starts with a Rumi quote... ( “Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.”) And it just keeps getting better from there.

So get thee over to Sharon Morris' wonderful guest post on SLA's FutureReady 365 blog. Check it out: Ten Strategies For Being Future-Minded

PALA Presentation: TEDx and Libraries: A Partnership for Community Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Here is the slide deck for our talk: TEDx and Libraries: A Partnership for Community Engagement, Presented by Peter Bromberg, Janie Hermann and John LeMasney for the Pennsylvania Library Association Conference, October 27, 2010. (Download the powerpoint deck and look in speaker’s notes for content.)

TEDx and Libraries: A Partnership for Community Engagement

View more presentations from Peter Bromberg.

Video/Slides from Adult Services Forum Keynote: All Together Now

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:03:00 +0000

All Together Now
Keynote at the NJLA Adult Services Forum, October 18, 2010
Slides/Text available at SlideShare

All Together Now: Keynote at the NJLA Adult Services Forum, October 18, 2010

Thank you to Kelly Garwood for creating and sharing this video! Slidedeck (with full text of talk in the notes field if you download the ppt) available at: http://slideshare.net/pbromberg/all-together-now-keynote-for-njla-adult-services-forum-2010

New ALALearning Post: Cultures of Curiosity

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:54:00 +0000

NEW ALALEARNING POST

This month ALALearning bloggers are focusing on how learning is done in our organizations. Having started at the MPOW just a few short months ago I am still learning how learning happens– formally and informally — in the organization. So rather than address the question narrowly, I’d like to look more broadly at the topic and suggest that the foundation for learning in any organization is having a culture of curiosity.

See the whole article over at ALALearning, (also transcribed below 3/27/13)

This month ALALearning bloggers are focusing on how learning is done in our organizations. Having started at the MPOW just a few short months ago I am still learning how learning happens– formally and informally — in the organization.

So rather than address the question narrowly, I’d like to look more broadly at the topic and suggest that the foundation for learning in any organization is having a culture of curiosity. Whether you are promoting learning in your organization through self-paced online tutorials, face-to-face workshops and discussions, or sharing of annotated bookmarks, learning will not happen in any real or consistent way unless there is a strong shared value of curiosity.

Why do I assert this? Because an attitude of curiosity is the only known antidote to the single biggest block to learning: the idea that we already have the answer (and it’s 1^st cousin, “I don’t care about the answer”.) Being in a state of curiosity means looking out at the world, collecting data, observing human behaviors and interactions, and asking “why?” and “what if?” These questions are humbling. They bring down our blocks and mitigate our filters and invite new data to enter our minds, and creatively find new ways to integrate and organize organizing data with a goal of understanding.

THE VALUE OF A CULTURE OF CURIOSITY
One of the most powerful effects of cultivating a consciousness and culture of curiosity is that it greatly enhances communication and the quality of relationships. Communication (and thus learning) is shut down when we assume we understand the motivations of others, and all too often we ascribe negative motivations to others without pausing to contemplate their perspective.

Curiosity creates space for that pause. When we are in a place of deep and authentic curiosity about others, it is impossible to simultaneously be in a place of judgment, which is a closing of ourselves to other ways of seeing. When we curiously ask why, we open to the idea that others have a unique and valuable perspective that can expand our own data set and worldview. Asking why leads to conversation and exploration, which in turn leads us to a deeper understanding of how others experience the world, their motivations, and their choices. And this deeper understanding, in turn, helps to reinforce our own consciousness of curiosity, and thus our own personal culture of learning.

I am curious about what has worked for you. How is learning promoted in your organization? What tools, methods, tips, tricks have worked for you? Drop your thoughts in the comment section!

Making time to tell you...

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:06:00 +0000

CC 2.0. Flickr User: Bogenfreund

I have not blogged much since I started my new and wonderful job just over two months ago, and I've told myself it's because I didn't have time. But having just read Julie Strange's latest wonderful blog post. I'm owning up: It's not that I didn't have time, it's that I didn't make the time.

So now I'm making the time, if only this very little bit before I zip out the door, to invite you to read "10 tips for finding your groove and getting sh*t done". I'm so glad I did--you rock Jules!

New ALALearning Post: Learn More, Do Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:09:00 +0000

Would you like to be more creative? Learn faster? Super, all you need to do is... Nothing.

Interested? Read the complete post over at ALA Learning
(also archived below on 3/27/13)

October 9, 2010 update: Check out Bobbi Newman's post on the connection between innovation and working less.

Learning In Action

The New York Times reported this week that researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have found that rats don’t learn from experience until they take a break from the experience. The break gives them time to process and create persistent memories. Furthermore, the researchers believe that their findings almost certainly apply to the way humans learn. Uh oh…

Why uh oh? Because many humans are increasingly connected to our ipads, blackberrys, smartphones, and laptops, keeping our brains engaged continually throughout the day. And while all of that ubiquitous connectivity offers us the possibility of reaching heretofore unreachable levels of efficiency and productivity it seems that it might come at a price: The Times reports that “when people keep their brains busy with digital input, they are forfeiting downtime that could allow them to better learn and remember information, or come up with new ideas. ”

Having recently started a new job, I can attest to the fact that there’s nothing like a silent drive or a brief nap to process and organize a great deal of new information. My 45 minute commute home might be the most productive part of my day, as that’s where all of the sense-making is happening. Strange as it may seem, sleeping has also been incredibly productive as I awake many mornings with a number of ideas synthesized from the previous day’s conversations, observations, and readings.

So as we come to the end of another summer and start getting geared up for the busier days of Fall let’s take a moment to remember: There might be no better way to learn than by stopping, unplugging, and doing absolutely nothing.

Photo Credit: Simone Ramella via Compfight cc

Congratulations, I'm Sorry.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:10:00 +0000

After four wonderful years blogging at Library Garden I will now be doing the majority of my writing in this space (while still contributing regularly to the ALALearning blog.)

I used my final post at Library Garden to say goodbye and begin a dialogue on cooperative library services. Here is an excerpt:

[T]his was my final week of employment at the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative (SJRLC), where I have enjoyed working for the past nine years...and this is my final post at the Library Garden blog, where I have had the pleasure of writing for the past four years. Both departures are bittersweet, filled with sadness and loss, but also mixed with excitement for the what lies ahead. On Monday, August 2nd I will begin as Assistant Director at the Princeton Public Library,

CONGRATULATIONS, I’M SORRY
Those of you in NJ know that we have just emerged from a partially successful four-month advocacy campaign to restore state funding for library services. In March we received devastating news that the Governor had slashed library funding 74% in his proposed budget, effectively putting an end to vital library services including delivery, interlibrary loan, shared full-text databases, and the New Jersey Library Network including the four Regional Library Cooperatives. In late June, after an advocacy campaign that generated tens of thousands of letters of support, we learned that much of the funding was restored, and many services would be saved. Unfortunately, as in other states (including Colorado, Massachusetts and Illinois), the Cooperative system — a system in place for nearly 25 years — is being downsized, as the State Librarian has made a decision to consolidate the four Cooperatives into one.

For the complete post, see: http://librarygarden.net/2010/07/31/so-long-farewell-amen/. Thanks for joining me at the new blog! -Peter

Be an agent for the customer: Hospitality Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Originally posted to Library Garden

It’s been a while since I blogged about the difference between Agents and Gatekeepers, wherein I quoted one of my favorite passages from Danny Meyer’s book, Setting the Table (the book is also a favorite of the Darien Library, according to John Blyberg; Char Booth has also expressed her appreciation for Meyer’s ideas.)

An agent makes things happen for others. A gatekeeper sets up barriers to keep people out. We’re looking for agents, and our staff members are responsible for monitoring their own performance: In that transaction, did I present myself as an agent or a gatekeeper? In the world of hospitality, there’s rarely anything in between.

I was recently reminded of the power of the “agent” concept while reading an article by Dan Pink on theories of motivation. The following quote caught my attention (It is from Maury Weinstein, founder of System Source, explaining to his sales staff why he did away with sales commissions):

We want you to be an agent for the customer rather than a salesperson.

Agent for the customer… Yes, yes, yes! I love this concept! Meyer says that hospitality exists when the customer believes the employee is on their side. He suggests that hospitality is present when something happens for you and is absent when something happens to you. I’m sure we can all quickly think of experiences where we felt that the person helping us was on our side, (was doing for us), and we can reflect on how that translated directly into a positive customer experience for us– even if the the interaction began because of a problem…

HOME DEPOT: CUSTOMER SERVICE TURNAROUND

I’m coming to the end of an 18 month renovation to my house, which means I’ve spent an awful lot of time (and money) at The Home Depot over the past year and a half. During the last few months I’ve noticed a marked improvement in the customer service at the store. There are more employees available to help, there are always one or two greeters at the door, and employees who are just walking by smile and greet me.

The most noticeable (and appreciated) phenomena though is how Home Depot has handled some recent problems with a damaged sink, and the return of a few (expensive) items that we did not need. On three different occasions, three different customer service agents took care of me, ensuring that the returns were taken, restocking fees were waived, and the stockroom was manually checked for a replacement part even though the computer said it wasn’t in stock (and the correct item was found saving me a trip to another store.)

This is some turnaround in customer service ethic for The Depot and apparently I’m not the only person who’s noticed. I can sum up my recent experiences by saying that in each interaction I felt that the Home Depot representative was on my side. They were friendly, patient (at times exceedingly patient), and consistent in their desire to meet my needs. I was not quoted policy, I was offered apologies. I was not told to wait in another line, I was brought over to the service desk where I could be more comfortable and given quicker service. I was not asked for receipts, I was asked for my address so they could look up my account and review my purchases. In other words, I was consistently served by agents rather than gatekeepers.

As I make my transition back to the world of public libraries, I will strive to keep this experience, and the ideas of hospitality and agency –of being on the side of my customers (both internal and external) – uppermost in my mind. Being on the side of the customer is a simple idea, but one that offers powerful guidance. And, I hope, powerful results.

Team TEDxNJLibraries

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:07:00 +0000

Originally posted to Library Garden

Team TEDxNJLibrarires
Originally uploaded by Khürt

It was an honor to be a part of TEDxNJLibraries.
Thank you Janie for inviting us to come along for this great ride. Thanks also to our amazing speakers, sponsors and attendees who came together to create a day of inspiration and conversation.
For more pictures from the event, see: http://www.flickr.com/groups/tedxnjlibraries/.

To follow the Twitter stream, see: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23tedxnjlibs.

Professional pix and video, (courtesy of Girl + Camera and Shining Star Interactive) coming soon.

New ALA Learning Post: Reflections on Co-presenting

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Originally posted at Library Garden

Hey, check out my new post at ALAlearning.org on the benefits of co-presenting:
http://alalearning.org/2010/04/27/9-reflections-on-co-presenting/

New ALALearning Post: Finding Your Voices

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:44:00 +0000

I have a new post up at the ALALearning blog (the official blog of the LearnRT: The Learning Round Table of ALA. Formerly CLENE. Say that three times fast!)

Check it out: Finding Your Voice(s)

New name, new blog. CLENE is now LearnRT

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Happily sharing this press release from Lori Reed, Board Member and Communications & Marketing Chair of the Learning Round Table of ALA

ALA Learning Round Table Chooses New Name, Retains Mission

by Lori Reed

The name may be changing, but the mission of the “Learning Round Table of ALA” remains the same. The American Library Association’s round table dedicated to quality continuing education for library workers has changed its name from CLENERT to LearnRT.

Under its new name:

LearnRT will continue to promote quality continuing education for all library personnel, helping you network with other continuing education providers for the exchange of ideas, concerns and solutions.
LearnRT will serve as your source for continuing education assistance, publications, materials, training and activities.
LearnRT is your advocate for quality library continuing education at both the local and national levels.

NEW BLOG--ADD US TO YOUR FEED READER!

In addition to the name change the Round Table is sponsoring a new blog/website, “ALA Learning” (http://alalearning.org), which will feature training and learning news, information, best practices and thoughtful discussion from leading trainers and staff development practitioners in the library field.

Contributing authors include:

JOIN AND BENEFIT FROM OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Membership in LearnRT is only $20, in addition to ALA membership dues. Among the many membership benefits, LearnRT members enjoy, through a unique agreement with the American Management Association, the following valuable AMA benefits:

Preferred pricing on all AMA seminars-least a 10-percent discount.
Unlimited access to AMA’s Members-only Web site – an ever-growing library of both timely and timeless information on practical issues of management.
Access to case studies, how-to articles, trend pieces, best practices, profiles of leading executives and companies, best-selling book excerpts, author interviews and recent research results.
Interactive self-assessments that reflect the abilities and knowledge of today’s high-value managers.
Exclusive discounts and special offers on AMA products and services.
Thirty-percent discounts on “Last-Minute Seats” at numerous selected AMA seminars announced each month.

To become a member of ALA’s Learning Round Table complete the ALA membership application: http://www.ala.org/ala/membership/joinrejoinrenewadd/default.cfm.

(Please note that we may be listed as either CLENERT or LearnRT in various places until the name change has fully circulated throughout ALA.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about LearnRT contact Pat Carterette, president of LearnRT, at (404) 235-7124 or by e-mail at pcarterette[at]georgialibraries.org.

For more information about ALALearning.org contact Lori Reed, managing editor, at (704) 350-5421 or by email at webmaster[at]alalearning.org.

Its all about the experience

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:29:00 +0000

In July 2008, I posted on authenticity and what it means for libraries. Essentially explaining that we are in an experience economy and that we need to be aware of the expectations that exist regarding libraries, services and technology.

It is easy to find examples of other businesses trying to create an experience, from fitness instructors and personal trainers to pet spas and resorts. Keith Goodrum writes in his post, Are You Creating an Experience instead of a Transaction? about the delight he and his wife experienced after leaving their dog at a pet resort while they were on vacation. The experience wasn't just about the novelty but about the way the pet resort made Keith and his wife feel.

Is this what libraries are doing? How do library users feel after being in the library or using their library's website? Are they experiencing your library or are they merely conducting transactions?

My renewed interest and changed perspective on the experience economy is based on my new job as the Virtual Branch Manager at a public library. When looking for library websites to get ideas and inspiration for a website redesign or overhaul, I have to admit that in many places, that "experience" feel is missing. And its not just the libraries' websites either; it is the vendors and databases libraries subscribe to or use, as well. For example, there is no reason why any digital media download site should be convoluted. If you have to click more than 2 or 3 times to actually start a download, how frustrated are you getting? Now imagine a library patron, with a slower internet connection, who isn't sure if they really want to use these digital resources and what will their response be? My money would be on a few quick clicks, then give up and move on to a place that literally takes one click to download, purchase, etc. (think iTunes or Amazon.com).

While there is a plethora of information out there about how to design an experience that will excite and satisfy library users, consider two great resources as a place to start:

David Lee King, in his new book, Designing the Digital Experience and on his blog, discusses libraries, websites, marketing and emerging technologies. He has experience from which to draw (he is the Digital Branch and Services Manager at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library)and lots of great tips and insights to help get your started.
Kathy Dempsey, blogger at the M-Word and author of The Accidental Library Marketer, talks about marketing your library (and its website) and making it more relevant. Her book mainly focuses on marketing and promotion of library services. However, she does say that most libraries, unfortunately, do not try to create an experience. Part of creating an experience is to find out what people want and need (all part of the marketing process) and then to give it to them.

In my authenticity post from a year ago I wrote: "It may take lots of work to make the vision and missions of our institutions match and exceed positive expectations that people have about libraries of all types." This does not just relate to your physical building but also to your web presence and the resources and services you offer. As libraries and librarians move towards creating experiences for users, it is important to remember that those experiences have to be true to the library's mission and vision. Remember advice from authors James H. Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II in Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want: “Be what you say you are by finding your very own original way for customers to experience your offering in the places you establish” (p.152).

Make ALA Connect Work For You: An appeal for Notifications ON!

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Bromberg) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0000

UPDATE 7/28/09, 3:00 PM: Check out Jenny Levine's post on changes coming to ALA Connect--esp. regarding improvements in notifications!
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I'm excited, hopeful, and joyously optimistic about ALA Connect, ALA's hybrid social network, bulletin board, listserv, calendar, project management tool.

Like all networks ALA Connect is only as useful and powerful as the number people that use it; and in fact it is getting exponentially more useful and powerful with each new user.

The more I use the ALA Connect, the more I realize that selectively turning on Email Notifications is key (for me) to integrating Connect into my professional life. This ensures that updates (the ones I want anyway) are pushed out to me, which is important as I only tend to pay attention to whatever wanders into my field of vision...

I'm appealing to you, dear reader; help ALA Connect thrive and grow by logging in and turning on your notifications too--and help spread the word by posting this attractively designed and competitively-priced banner ad (in both border and non-border stylings you'll notice) on your blog, homepage, or social network of choice. Extra points for tattooing directly upon your body. No pictures please, I'll take your word for it.

Another feature I've found useful for keeping up in Connect is the ability to view my unread messages through the "My Unread" page and feed. Links to your "My Unread" content can be found on the lower right of the ALA Connect page under "Community Notifications". (These links will work for you if you're logged in to ALA Connect--otherwise you're seeing "access denied" messages.)

To learn more about ALA Connect, check out the these great video tutorials created by Emerging Leaders Group I (aka Melissa Dessent, Ahniwa Ferrari, Jaime Hammond, Jennifer Jarson, Jason Kucsma). The videos are in the process of being uploaded to ALA Connect proper.

Thanks everyone, see you on ALA Connect!