Brian's Blog

I've always wondered, what would happen if libraries run more like a business or large corporation. In a sense, what would happen to the library "ecosystem" and all of the things we connect with?  If a library decided it would market itself to show competitive advantages, would they draw in more patrons? Moreover, if a library ran like a corporation how would management and the politics change?  Could libraries change their buying power in markets from the common items such as books or the "ever-so-discussed" ebooks?  This is just some quick thoughts I had, and I plan to put these thoughts into more of a concrete concept. 

So a while back, Stephen Abram (link to his blog:  http://stephenslighthouse.com/2012/11/28/personal-editorial-managing-high-potential-employees-in-libraries-the-rock-star-dillemma/  )
wrote a really amazing article about how to deal with the High Potentials, the makers and shakers of libraries.    I like to think i'm with the "high pots" group, as I have similar experiences in my work history where the idea of moving forward is shunned or punished.  I hope libraries start being more open to the idea of NEW thoughts, and play.  I was at a conference in Peoria (ILA 2012) where a topic of discussion was the idea of "play" during work, and to get energized and excited about new ideas and thoughts.  I applaud the work spaces that allow for innovative and new thinking. Having an open environment is everything. If the employees are happy, they will do everything they can (and then some) to give that excitement and happyness back to their patrons or customers.  In other words, the employees that don't see their work as a "job" are the best kind of employee.  They see their work as an exciting project, something new to tackle.  Patrick Sweeney (http://pcsweeney.com/) once said at a conference, a person with passion to do the work is far superior than any other employee...skills can be taught, passion can't. 

So please read Stephen's article. It is a great read! (click read more)

Testing the ability to embed Branch into my website.