91��ý

CHICAGO — Successful libraries are those that continuously learn to listen and respond, prioritizing an organizational approach that encourages library staff to work with each other as well as the community to create opportunities to thrive. That may sound airy and abstract. But in “,” published by 91��ý Editions, Dorothy Stoltz and coauthors Gail Griffith, James Kelly, Muffie Smith, and Lynn Wheeler demonstrate how it boils down to applying a handful of straightforward principles, which include:

• intelligent risk-taking;
• learning the right things;
• respect and goodwill;
• fulfilling the vision of library director; and
• activating creative thinking.

With practical applications for hiring staff, coordinating an author event, creating a community partnership, and designing a building, this book walks readers through how to:

• identify the community’s motivating factors and use them to guide priorities;
• create a culture of learning at the library;
• apply courage, curiosity, and creativity to cope with challenges;
• ask the right questions in order to get the right answers;
• draw out creative ideas from both staff and the community; and
• implement creativity exercises for problem solving that can be used by individuals and groups.

Stoltz is director for community engagement at the Carroll County (MD) Public Library. She is the coauthor of several books and articles for the 91��ý, including “.” With more than thirty-five years of experience in public libraries, she is active in the Library Leadership & Management Association (LLAMA), the Public Library Association (PLA), and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC).

purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. 91��ý Editions and 91��ý Neal-Schuman publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. 91��ý authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact 91��ý Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.

Related Links