Michael Bailou Huang Presentation

Presentation topic: Academic libraries

Abstract:This presentation is a general overview of academic libraries, special libraries, library education, and professional organizations in the United States. It will cover the following topics: 1. Reference services, with an emphasis on subject librarianship, personal librarianship, digital reference service, and information commons; 2. Educational services including monthly workshops, library orientations, credit-bearing courses, and faculty requested classes. The presenter will share the experience from Stony Brook University Health Sciences Library; 3. Personnel management, including requirement and recruitment of academic librarians, evaluation and promotion. Finally, issues such as roles and functions of library organizations and their relation to libraries are addressed.

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Presentation topic: Library Leadership in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract:Libraries all over the world have undergone rapid changes in the past decades and will continue to undergo these changes in the years ahead.  Strong leadership can lead libraries into well-established positions to lead with change and live positively. In recent years, library leadership as a concept and a phenomenon has attracted much attention. It has become a highly valued topic for discussion both in the library literature and in practice. This presentation will discuss what constitutes leadership of excellence in libraries. As libraries are team based organizations, it is necessary for leaders to possess certain characteristics to promote libraries and move them forward positively. Some of the important characteristics include: 1. Communication style; 2. Being positive; 3: Embracing change; 4. Self-awareness; 5. Customer focus; 6. Vision for the future.  

These characteristics will be discussed in the context of public library management, including organizational culture and climate, library structure and operation, assessment and evaluation and so on. We will explore the opportunities as well as challenges for library leaders in the information age. The presentation will also involve interactive opportunities for the audience to participate. 

Maggie Wang Presentation

Presentaion Topic: Public relations activities and their values

Abstract: As the informational, cultural and social center, American public libraries have long been an integral part of their communities.  To establish a positive image of the library, and foster a strong work relationship with the community, public libraries have developed aggressive and effective public relations strategies.  Using a city public library in Los Angeles suburb as the example, the speaker will illustrate the Library’s outreach activities to promote its services and programs, and its long-time involvement and efforts in building a better community.  
 

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Karen Wei Presentation

Presentaion Topic 1: In Search of Excellence: Library Assessment for Success
Abstract 1: 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. 

*1 Wright, Stephanie and Lynda S. White. Library Assessment.  Series: SPEC kit, 303. Washington, D.C.: Association of Research Libraries, Office of Leadership and Management Services, c2007, p. 11.   

Presentaion Topic 2: Professional and Staff Development in Libraries
Abstract 2: 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. 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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Harriet Ying Presentation

Presentaion Topic 1: U.S. Library Laws 
Abstract 1: Describe Federal, State, and County Codes regarding the establishment of public libraries and its operation. Use Title 23 of Annotated Code of Maryland as an example to illustrate how county public libraries are authorized for establishment, the powers and duties of the Board of library trustees and library personnel.

Presentaion Topic 2: Public Library Funding
Abstract 2: Library funding from public sources: 1). Federal government grants and projects e.g. LSTA and IMLS. 2). State funding mandated by Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 23, Subtitle 5 – Financing for County Public Libraries. 3). County funding mandated by State law. 4). Bond issue for capital improvements. Additional funding from private sectors: 1). Friends of the library.  2). Corporation and Foundation grants. 3). Private donors. 4). Fundraising.   

Presentaion Topic 3: Public Library Services
Abstract 3: Describe types of services offer by U.S. public libraries. How public libraries effectively deliver quality services free of charge to all library users, walk in customers as well as distance inquirers. Discuss various library services including materials collection, circulation, reference services, reader services, interlibrary loans, computer and Internet services, programming, government and community services…. etc. 

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Presentaion Topic: American Libraries in Planning and Action: Legal Aspects of Library Practice and Library Strategic Planning

Abstract: US public libraries, as public institutions, must comply with various federal and state laws such as American with Disability Act, Copyright laws, and laws that protecting privacy. This presentation will introduce library mission statements and practical policies which are established based on existing laws and legislations. Specifically, the presenter will provide: 1) examples of legal aspects of collection management, including intellectual rights, library assets management, permissions and licensing agreement, and patron and donor confidentiality, 2) information about library policies 'development and the involvement of the library communities in developing policies, 3) details about identifying and protecting literary assets owned by public libraries' special collections and archives. Libraries must to have legal documentations (i.e. deed of gifts, or contracts or agreements) with donors about donation transfers. Libraries have provided licenses agreements to publishers, film makers, TV producers, writers, organizations, teachers, students, authors, and the general public. 

Most importantly, all public libraries in the States, big or small, have a strategy plan which serves as a blueprint or a roadmap for the libraries’ future.  What were the basics of a strategic planning and what elements might be useful to the librarians and libraries in China? The presenter hopes to pose questions, share stories and discuss all related topics with the Chinese colleagues. Three messages that the presenter wishes to deliver: 1) US public libraries provide members with equal and open access. 2) US Public libraries are the heart of the communities. 3) Every public library has a long-range strategic plan.