Ohio's Small Libraries: Dynamic Community Resources
University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center
May 17-18, 2006
Make your hotel reservation by April 26 to receive the OLC Conference rate.
Agenda
Wednesday, May 17th
10:00 AM
Registration
10:30 AM
Opening General Session:
Celebrating the Librarians of Small Libraries
Beth Wheeler Fox, Director, Westbank Community Library District, Austin, Texas |
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Like Bartholomew Cubbins of Dr. Suess fame, the community librarian wears 500 hats. Where else could you be the cataloger, publicist, financial manager, fundraiser, researcher, policymaker, reader's advisor, volunteer coordinator, and spokesperson? Where else could you identify and then implement new ideas the same afternoon? Where else would you be such a respected and recognized member of your community? And where else could you be responsible for some horror dealing with the toilet? Come celebrate the amazing community librarian!
As Director of the Westbank Community Library since 1983, Beth lists among her many accomplishments creating a staff of employees and volunteers that values teamwork and innovation, communicating with community leaders to establish lasting relationships, overseeing a 240% increase in library usage in five years, and developing and managing a million dollar budget.
Beth has 25 years of progressive experience in college, special, and public libraries that culminated in The Dynamic Community Library, a handbook for the library administrator, published by the American Library Association. A companion volume, Behind the Scenes at the Dynamic Library, was also published by ALA. |
11:30 AM
Lunch
12:30 - 1:45 PM
The First 30 Seconds: How Front-Line Staff Responds
Paula Brehm-Heeger, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
First impressions do count! Learn how to respond to patron comments about library materials, programs, and services in ways that will both satisfy the patron and correctly represent library policies. Designed for all public service staff, this training will offer librarians the tools they need to confidently handle material challenges at the initial point of contact and de-escalate possibly difficult situations.
The Information Poor and the Information 
Don't Care: Small Libraries and the Digital Divide
Jessamyn West, Community Technology Mentor, Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph, VT
Libraries in small areas deal with a public that isn't just information poor, some of them could care less about computers and new technology. Some librarians are members of this class. How do you make technology plans with a public that isn't even ready for you? |
The Rural Library as a Community Sparkplug
Allen Johnson, Director, Pocahontas County Free Libraries, Marlinton, West Virginia
Small community libraries are uniquely positioned to invigorate their infrastructure-challenged communities. Nationally recognized Pocahontas County Free Libraries builds alliances with the schools, media, and civic organizations that stretch sparse resources. VISTA volunteers and neighborhood volunteers provide much outreach work. Even a small library can develop an extensive specialized book collection as a local and regional resource. |
Why Fish for Crappie When You Really Want Bass?
Melissa Dabe, Greene County Public Library
Ever feel like you're just throwing out bait and hoping to catch somebody, ANYBODY, with your library promotions? Learn the basics of marketing your library services and programs and make the most of your efforts. This program will include assessing your needs, developing messages, targeting your audience, and different methods for delivering your message.
1:45 - 2:00 PM
Break
2:00 - 3:15 PM
"Deal With It"
Nancy Levin, Youth Services Librarian, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
Teens are in your library after school, weekends, and evenings and their presence is sometimes disruptive. Learn about teen brain development and the best way to use that information to turn the teens into “model” patrons. Learn tried and tested successful ways to interest , discipline, and improve behavior. And if all else fails–the best way to stop bad behavior.
Refreshing Your Library for Customer Service 
Bob Smith, Robert Smith & Associates
Is your building too small? Have computer stations and shelves taken over the people spaces? Explore options for redesigning your library to be a customer-friendly environment that is a community-gathering place. Look at your library with “Fresh Eyes.” This program will show examples of what other libraries have done to redesign spaces for customers. Then if more space is needed, what are the next steps for deciding on the “ideal” size library for your community? |
Until We're All Robots: Sensible Approaches to Technology in Libraries
Jessamyn West, Community Technology Mentor, Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph, VT
Like it or not, technology is becoming part of every librarian's job. The more you understand what's happening in the tech field, the better equipped you are to make purchasing decisions and provide access to patrons and staff. Join me for a useful, user-centered approach to technology trends and a frank and humorous discussion about what librarians can do.
Using the NOLA Salary Survey
Pam Jordan, Ashland Public Library, Brad Stephens, NOLA
This program will help you develop timely and fair salary ranges for your staff. Come and learn what information is collected and available to participants, how the survey is structured, tips on different ways to access and use this information, and ideas on utilizing this data with your library boards. Also, bring along any ideas for future enhancements.
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 - 4:45 PM
The Day Bigfoot Came to Town or How to Host Non-Traditional Programs at Your Library
Bill Martino, Minerva Public Library
This presentation will give examples of successful “fringe” program ideas that are geared toward individuals in the community that would not normally attend a library function. See how to move beyond the basic book talks and author visits to tap into other areas of interest not normally associated with the staid library setting.
The Geography of Diversity in Small Library Communities: A Panel Discussion
Allen Johnson (Moderator), Brandi Allen, Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library; Susan Ballard, Cuyahoga County Public Library; Jim Couts, Appalachian Nutrition Network; Rebecca Katzenmeyer, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library; Katherine Koch, Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library;
C. Allen Nichols, Wadsworth Public Library; Tracey McCullough Woodward, Clermont County Public Library
How can libraries in smaller communities be prepared to serve their diverse populations?
- By knowing that retirement communities and nursing homes are big businesses in rural communities, and by partnering with agencies serving seniors to learn their needs;
- By being comfortable with people of a different culture, ethnicity, language, or country of origin and collaborating with agencies that serve them;
- By knowing best practices and programs that give teens what they really want from the library; and
- By knowing how to serve the hidden population of LGBT teens.
By providing innovative and exceptional new services and enhancing traditional services, small libraries can be the center of the community for everyone.
Learn from The Donald: Cutting Loose Before You're Hung!
Kathy Stengel, Middletown Public Library
When is terminating an employee the best choice for an organization? What steps need to be taken? Coaching, documentation, and progressive discipline come before “You're Fired!”
Reference Interview Skills in Small Public Libraries
Julie Doel, Ohio Dominican University, Library & Information Services Program
The reference interview is a vital element of basic library service, so improving your skills in this area can significantly enhance your own and your library's performance.
• Are you–or someone you supervise–new to working at a reference or information desk?
• Would you like to be better at getting library users to tell you what they really want when they ask you for help?
• Do you ever spend time looking for an answer to the question the user asked and then have to back track and start over when you discover the real question?
• Would knowing how to “cut to the chase” save you time at the desk and help you handle your workload?
In this session you'll find out why people rarely tell you right away exactly what they are looking for and learn key elements of a good reference interview so that they become part of your own on-the-job “tool box.” The course will also cover the basics of coaching a partner in reference interview skills so that you can effectively practice and transfer what you have learned to others at your library.
5:00 PM
Conference Reception
Unwind after a busy conference day with your colleagues from across the state. There'll be relaxing piano music, complementary hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. Additionally, OLC will provide ample information on popular restaurants and destinations within the city for your evening's enjoyment. You can make plans to have dinner with your friends or just relax in your hotel room with your current favorite book.
Agenda
Thursday, May 18
8:00 AM
Breakfast Buffet
9:00 - 10:15
10 Things You Need to Do to Your Computer Today
Jim Mann, Greene County Public Library; Don Yarman, Interim Director, Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
Do you know what 10 things you should do to your computer today to prevent viruses, stop spam, and make your computer safer? How about some simple tips to make your computer run faster? This program will offer simple, and often free, steps you can take to protect your computer.
I'm Curious, George! About WebJunction
George Needham, OCLC
WebJunction is an online community dedicated to the emerging technology and training needs of librarians. A service created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's U.S. Library Program, OCLC, and other partners, WebJunction features articles, handouts, courses and forum discussions that are practical, down-to-earth and friendly. WebJunction addresses the real issues that librarians and library staff face every day. George writes the column “I'm Curious, George” for the WebJunction online publication. He is well known for his insights into technology as it is today and as it may be tomorrow. Join us at this presentation and become part of the WebJunction community yourself!
Is This Town Big Enough For the Two of Us?
Michael Nutter, Superintendent, Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools; Ellen E. Seward, Mechanicsburg Public Library; Wayne Piper (Moderator), Ohio Library Council
During this moderated discussion with two village community leaders, you'll learn not only how they got where they are but how they came to work together, where they find their motivation, and how their institutions have learned to work together. Working hand-in-hand throughout the year their institutions have created a successful teacher collection program, brought new appreciation among students for libraries, and fostered a love of reading.
One-Minute Genealogist
David Soltesz, Cuyahoga County Public Library
Is instant gratification possible for the genealogist? Can't everyone's family records be found conveniently all in one place? With the proliferation of genealogy Web sites, and now that OPLIN has made possible the acquisition of Heritage Quest for many Ohio libraries, staff in small libraries are seeing more hopeful first-time genealogists voice these exact expectations. In this program, we'll take a look at key Web sites and databases that will give your patrons a jumpstart on their family trees. Librarians new to genealogy, Heritage Quest, and other online resources will be introduced to basic research procedures and resources that will help raise the comfort level of you and your patrons.
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Muffin Stumps, PT Barnum, and Unique Events: Simple Upgrades for Public Computers
Jim Mann, Greene County Public Library
Want to get another couple of years out of your public computers? This program will discuss several inexpensive upgrade options, which will breathe new life into your public computers…or maybe just fool the public into thinking you have.
One Size Doesn't Fit All: Long-Range Planning for Small Libraries
Jan Haines, State Library of Ohio; Wayne Piper, Ohio Library Council
A carefully thought out long-range plan helps an organization focus on its future development. Too often small libraries think they don't have the resources to engage in all the activities associated with a formal planning process. And you know what: they might just be right! In this session, two PLA certified trainers will familiarize you with the process and benefits of planning and offer practical tips on how you can successfully modify the process to meet your library's needs and capacities.
Stress-Less
Penny Steward, The Human Energy Specialist
You can have the perfect diet and exercise exactly how and when you should, but if you are wearing yourself out because you don't know how to deal with stress, you will pay heavily with physical or emotional currency. Many factors determine your stress level, some of which you may not be aware. This seminar addresses them all and helps you understand how to change them. |
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This Place is a Circus!!
Tom Lianez, Tom Lianez Consulting
Working in a small library with a small staff presents it's own unique problems. This session will provide helpful hints for both managers and staff to deal with the everyday interactions and dramas that can make your library (and your career) a real circus. Turn your old job into a new one. Learn how to avoid the killer habits of bored and marginal employees and find out how you can move your act to the center ring.
11:45 AM
Lunch
12:30 - 2:00 PM
Closing Summary Session
Beth Wheeler Fox will not only have been a presenter at this conference, she will have been a participant–attending breakout sessions, taking meals with participants, and networking. During this closing session she and other major speakers including Allen Johnson and Jessamyn West will share insights into what they've learned at the conference and interact with audience members during a Q & A session.
2:00 - 2:30 PM
Adjournment
