Hong Cheng Presentation

Presentation topic 1: Library Assessment: a Self Development System in American Libraries

Abstract:The presentation focuses on library assessment, a self-development system in American academic libraries. The presentation demonstrates the conduct of a library assessment, including its purpose and methods, and how the assessment applies to library's operation and improvement. The Presentation specifically demonstrates a few steps of the assessment, intra-library self-assessment, user assessment, strategic plan, work plan and priorities.

Presentation topic 2: Academic and Special Libraries: Two Pillars of the Library System in the United States

Ababstract: The presentation is to briefly introduce the four major library types of the library system in the United States, with emphasis on academic libraries and special libraries. The presentation analyzes some sub-types of academic libraries, university libraries, college libraries, community and junior college libraries, etc., as well as the difference of research libraries, teaching libraries and so on. On special libraries, the presentation gives some special attention to certain types of libraries, such as law firm libraries, corporate or business libraries, hospital libraries, art and museum libraries, and fee-based information services.

Presentation topic 3: Information Freedom and Equality: The Library Organizations in the United States

Abstract: The focus of the presentation is given to introducing major library organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA), the Special Library Association (SLA), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Using ALA as an example, the presentation will demonstrate how library organizations respond to the challenges the library profession is facing, and how to operate this one of the largest professional organization in the United States. The presentation shows some real samples how the organizations run specific programs. Through such analysis, the presentation discovers the principle of American library organizations, for information freedom and equality.

Presentation topic: Professional and Staff Development

Abstract:Professional and Staff Development will include a discuss of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Quality Guidelines and the American Library Association's Core Values of Librarianship. The topic of the Library Director's role in setting the tone and culture for the library will include a discussion of director's responsibilities and skills. Managing people including recruitment, hiring, retention and performance management through evaluations, discipline, recognizing good performance, and training and development will be covered. Certification activities of the American Library Association Allied Professional Association will be the final topic. The importance of excellent well educated and trained staff will be emphasized.

Presentation topic: Library Associations

Abstract:Library associations provide essential services for librarians and libraries including conferences, publications, standards, professional development, and advocacy. The presentation talks about the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and the American Library Association (ALA) which have been active in advocating for libraries and library services, promoting standards and core values, as well as encouraging life-long learning and professional education.

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Shuyong Jiang Presentation

Presentaion Topic Library Management and Operation 
Abstract: Library management is a science as well as an art. It is because there are well established principles that are necessary to the operation of a library and that the manager must exercise social and emotional intelligence to get things done efficiently and effectively. This presentation will first discuss the hierarchical structure of the public libraries and the branch system of public libraries. The special function of the state libraries is also mentioned. Then, it goes into details to discuss two most important aspects of the library administration: the human resource management and financial recourse management, in regards to the mission of the public library. For human resource, it only focuses on the recruitment, since the professional development will cover the review process and staff evaluation. For financial resources management, it also includes some materials prepared by Susan Schnuer on fundraising and grant writing. Other parts of the management are also touched upon. In conclusion, it emphasis that dealing with people and enabling them to do their best, and managing the budget and finances in order to use monetary resources to the best advantage of the library are the two major challenges in library management.

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Paula Kaufman Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Library Leadership and Management

Abstract: Leadership and management functions are often confused. Managers oversee operations while leaders build vision and lead their organizations to a new future. Fundamental change is more likely through effective leadership than management" The power of being a leader is an enormous responsibility; it can inspire awe or instill fear. Because leadership by instilling fear usually fails, this presentation focuses on effective leadership approaches and methodologies, with considerable emphasis on practical approaches to being an effective leader.

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Jing Liu Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Library Public Relations
AbstractPublic relation has been a crucial component of library work. It starts from personal information services, as Mr. Green advocated in 1876 "improved personal relations between librarians and readers". Our generation of professionals enjoy the image of serving everybody's life-long learning need. Although public and academic libraries have special units and designated staff for the PR work, all librarians need to understand the library's mission and what the customers need in order to promote the positive image of the library and the profession. On top of providing information services, we need to promote the awareness of our educational, cultural, social and economic value to all stakeholders. Therefore, PR work is not limited to library administrators and it has to be performed and carried out by all staff and professionals. Following a brief history of American library PR, its purpose and developed strategies, this presentation will emphasize on the importance of library services as the foundation of marketing and promotion. Libraries must foster long-term relations, plus reaching out to the virtual world rather than focusing on isolated one-time events. The key factors of successful PR at both public and academic libraries will be discussed with real life cases from Richmond Public Library and University of British Columbian Libraries.  

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Haiying Qian Presentation

Presentaion Topic: US State Library: Educate, Support and Promote Library Services

Abstract: US state libraries support libraries statewide through continuing education programs and the development of services, activities, and resource sharing among all types of libraries. This program will give an overview of US state libraries and their functions. Then provide detailed case study of how Missouri State Library operates and serves its special patrons, how Library Development Division staff administer state aid, federal grants to support library and patron services; provide continuing education for library employees and library trustees; Assist libraries in evaluating and planning for service improvements; Develop, plan, and implement statewide projects for resource sharing, electronic access, and digitization of cultural heritage materials; Collect statistics and conduct surveys to assess the status of library services; Help Missourians make effective use of census information; Collaborate with partners such as the Missouri Center for the Book to promote love of books and reading. This program will share 2010 statistical data from Public Libraries survey in Missouri. Through Missouri State Library, you can learn the laws, policies, and strategic plans of public libraries in US from a different perspective.

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Xinye Qiu Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Public Library Service: Growing with the Community

Abstract: The concept and service of the public library is an important part of American culture and societal infrastructure. The public library is supported by taxpayers at different levels. It is also the main channel for the public in obtaining free access to information. The public has the right to acquire knowledge, and so it has the will and obligation to support the public library. The public library in America has a long historical tradition. However, the concept, structure and operation of the public library service has adapted to changes over time. This presentation studies and discusses the standards and changing norms of such service in coping with the changes and progress of society and culture. The Queens Library has become an example of such change because the growing immigrant society in Queens provides the Queens Library with both challenge and opportunity. This change in Queens is highlighted prominently by the Flushing community, which is one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in America. As a result, there is a dynamic society that requires informational, educational, and recreational services. Not only must the public library become relevant to the community but it must also become a community leader in installing various services in order to enrich the life of the public. The presentation will first analyze the demographics of Queens and Flushing. The demonstration of changing immigrant society will be followed by an introduction to the Queens Library and its services by highlighting the activities of Flushing Library. Additional details will demonstrate the service and programs that the Flushing library has provided to serve the multicultural and multiethnic community. It is a successful account of a public library's growing with the community that it serves. The project is presented in PowerPoint and supplemented by two short films on the topic. The previously written and published articles in Chinese by the author have been compiled to a blog in sina.com for future reference.

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