Six Round Table discussions were presented at the NEFLIN Annual Meeting on September 16, 2011. Below are topics and speakers along with links to handouts from the discussions.
Ebooks Update: Al Carlson, System Administrator, Tampa Bay Library Consortium
Ebooks and Libraries – we’ll discuss where we are, how we got here, where we're going, and what we can do to be ready.
Green Libraries and Sustainability – Why Does It Matter and Where Do We Start?:
Bonnie J. Smith, Assistant Program Director for Human Resources, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida
As information and intellectual hubs in communities and on campuses, libraries have a great opportunity, and even responsibility, to promote sustainability. From daily business practices to programming and events, libraries can become more relevant in their communities by demonstrating wise use of resources and creating community dialog around sustainability topics. Join Bonnie Smith to hear examples of efforts being made in libraries and share your experiences and ideas.
Mentoring, Coaching, Networking – Creating the Social Network:
Elizabeth Curry, Florida State College Jacksonville
This discussion will focus on informal and formal ways that we share knowledge, support innovation and create connections. Mentoring has traditionally been top down, with the wise or experienced person assisting someone inexperienced or new to an institution. Coaching is a term used in sports, executive leadership or daily life –such as “life coach.” All of these involve relationships and information sharing which will build social capital in our social network. For libraries this can mean the opportunity to develop new services, enhance existing services and develop the potential of our profession. Join Elizabeth Curry to brainstorm ways to encourage mentoring, coaching and networking.
Participatory Management: Deborah Paulson, Director, Columbia County Public Library
Join Deborah Paulson for a discussion of Participatory Management -- when employees are part of the decision-making process in an organization. This is an important tool to prevent communication from being only from the top down. The director, or manager, makes the final decision, but employees take ownership in a decision if they have been part of the process.
Social Media Update: Dawn Jensen, Virtual Options
Find out what's new and what's next in Social Media and Digital marketing. From Google+ to Twitter image galleries, from Facebook pages to Thoora, Dawn Jensen will review the latest Social Networks and update on tools that can enhance your experience and connection with patrons and clients.
Staff Development Update: What Got You Here Won’t Keep You There!:
Andrea Giggetts, Giggetts & Associates
Leaders have an important role in staff development: establishing its priority, encouraging it by example, and supporting it in your attitude and budget. The truth is that if staff education and development are not a priority for the supervisor, it will not be a priority for anyone under them. Everyone owes it to themselves to possess the most up-to-date skills needed to attain and achieve success in tomorrow’s workplace, and what makes one effective is always changing.
