Wei Bender Presentation

Presentation topic: Public relations activities and their values

Abstract:In a time when libraries face so much competition and need to reinvent as transformational agencies, what compels people to use a library. In marketing terms, what is the key differentiator, the value-add, of libraries? Answering this question defines how a library positions itself to users and articulates its value to the community. In this presentation, I’ll discuss and explore success stories and tips for planning and implementing the library’s outreach activities to promote its services and programs, and its long-term involvement and efforts in building a better and vibrant community.

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Presentation topic1: Academic Libraries in the U.S.

Presentation topic2: Professional and Staff Development in Public and Academic Libraries

Abstract: : (Co-presented with Karen Wei) Well educated and trained library professional and staff are vital to successful library management and operations. While it is important that librarians and staff should possess a certain set of skills, it is even more crucial that their skills are continuously upgraded through professional development programs in this fast changing environment. This presentation will define professional development in the context of library operations, its purpose and the need for such programs. It will also introduce core competencies that library professionals must maintain, various continuing education and in-service training programs that support professional development, the role that the library human resources office can play, and the responsibilities and skills that a library director must retain. Recruitment and career advancement of academic librarians will also be highlighted toward the end of the presentation. A successful library service depends on the quality of its professionals, which in turn will enrich the lives of their users through excellent service.

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Xiaofang han Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Public Library Services in the United States

Abstract: The presentation provides an introduction to four theories of the public library development that are reflected in the principles that have been adopted by public libraries in the United States. An overview of these principles leads to the discussion of the roles that public libraries play in society and the various public services that have been developed to meet the changing needs of local communities. The presentation also provides a brief history of the development of adult services in public libraries and an overview of the current status of the most common adult services. A brief introduction to youth services was also presented including some national initiatives. Issues, such as open shelves, fees vs. free access, and fines, etc. are discussed. Finally, an introduction to the Cleveland Public Library, the third largest public research library in the nation, is presented as an example of large size libraries. Cleveland Public Library has over a hundred years of history and has been considered as one of the best in the country.

Paula Kaufman Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Policies & Planning: Paradoxes of Prosperity?

Abstract: Paradoxically, as countries develop and become more prosperous, they tend to impose conditions – laws, policies, and practices – that appear on their surface to support advancing their societies but may in fact work in opposition to the good of their citizens. U.S. librarians are confronted with an array of laws, policies, and issues that threaten their basic values, create barriers to providing effective services, and make strategic planning difficult. Through case studies, this talk will focus on some of these laws, policies, and issues, and the complexity – but necessity – of library planning in the 21st century.

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Presentation Topic 1: In Search of Excellence: Public Library Assessment for Success

Abstract: Library assessment is an integral part of successful library management. It is a means and process that “libraries of all kinds are looking more closely at how and how well they are serving their users.”1 This presentation will introduce the culture of assessment, its definition and purpose, why libraries perform assessments, and what are the areas that need to be assessed. It will also provide a general evaluation model, assessment methodologies and limitations, tools used for assessment, and specific measurements used in library assessment, including what to measure and how to work with assessment methods. A successful library assessment stands to improve overall service quality and increase the efficiency of direct library services to users, enriching their experience and lives.

Abstract: Please see the Topic 2 in Mr Kuei Chiu's presentation.

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Presentaion Topic 1: Managing Libraries for Future Success

Abstract: Although management can be defined in many ways, a core definition of management is “getting things done through other people.” We will consider how the four management functions - planning, organizing, leading, and controlling can be most effectively employed in public libraries in order to get things done through other people. The first part of the presentation will focus on the main steps in strategic planning - (1) defining vision, mission, and values, (2) analyzing the current internal and external public library environment, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, (3) defining goals to close gap between the current state and the desired future, (4) formulating specific objectives related to each of the goals, (5) implementing the agreed upon objectives, and (6) conducting an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of the process, including initiating necessary changes. The second part of the presentation will focus on how traditional ways of organizing, leading, and controlling public library operations should evolve to support the planning and implementation of innovative public library services. Key concepts covered in this section include personal mastery of skills and knowledge, team learning, and systems thinking. The presentation will also involve opportunities for the audience to participate.

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