The Unbearable Male Whiteness of Library Leadership

This post has been percolating in my mind for a while now. Probably since before I wrote that post about the LITA Top Tech Trends panels back in 2016. A couple of things happened around the time of ALA MidWinter, that finally made me put fingers to a keyboard. A white male colleague and friend … Continue reading The Unbearable Male Whiteness of Library Leadership

What Happens to Library Employees When We Fall Prey to the Competition Fallacy?

First, let me get this out of the way – libraries are not in competition with tech companies such as Google and Amazon. You only need to look at the search results for “what really happened to dinosaurs?” to know Google isn’t doing the best job answering reference questions. And sure they might not be … Continue reading What Happens to Library Employees When We Fall Prey to the Competition Fallacy?

1262 Photos, 36 Countries, and Two Years Later – This Is What A Librarian Looks Like

Today is the 2 year anniversary of the launch of This is What a Librarian Looks Like! Submissions have slowed down after the last year but we still added over 500 new photos! That's right! There are 1,294 photos from 36 different countries! We have had over 70,000 followers on Tumblr! What I've learned: Tumblr is … Continue reading 1262 Photos, 36 Countries, and Two Years Later – This Is What A Librarian Looks Like

Once a Librarian, Always a Librarian?

I recently posted to Facebook Dear ALA, Library Journal, and others: I have an MLS. I paid good money for it. I earned it. I am a librarian. Forever. The fact that I do not currently (nor may ever again) work in a library does not change that fact. Please make room for me on … Continue reading Once a Librarian, Always a Librarian?

You Can Not Do More With Less – Less for Libraries Means Less For Our Communities and They Deserve More

Doing more with less is a bad joke on people who have made a living making something from nothing. Two years ago George Needham was a speaker at my library's staff day. I'm not sure these were his exact words, but it is pretty close and you get the idea. It stuck with me. Libraries and … Continue reading You Can Not Do More With Less – Less for Libraries Means Less For Our Communities and They Deserve More

In the End I Want to be Able to Say I Contributed More Than I Criticized

I don't know if it's the economy or the time of year but lately it seems like there is a lot of negativity going around, so last week when I saw this tweet from Jan Holmquist linking to this post, contributions, criticism and courage, it really struck a chord with me. I am by no means a perfect … Continue reading In the End I Want to be Able to Say I Contributed More Than I Criticized

Looking Forward – How Will You Use Your Gifts In the Coming Year?

I'm not usually one for resolutions, but 2010 has been a long year and I am looking forward to the New Year with unusual anticipation, and this is so timely for me. As we look forward to 2011 it is important for some reflection, so ask yourself as librarians, teachers, leaders, individuals: How will you … Continue reading Looking Forward – How Will You Use Your Gifts In the Coming Year?