The Most Dangerous Idea of All - Change from the Bottom Up

The Most Dangerous Idea of All - Change from the Bottom Up

Premise - we all have good intentions, we all want to do good work, we all want to be valued for doing our jobs, great libraries encourage ideas, we all look good when we all look good.  It's not just leading from any position - it's leading, learning, risk-taking, and making decisions from every position.  Don't use the perceived hierarchy as an excuse not to make a decision.  

With this in mind, the directors of the Somerset County Library, NJ and the Sacramento County Library talked about allowing major decisions to be made by all levels of the organization.  The Somerset County Library used all levels of the organization on their recent strategic planning process.  They had about 90 people working on it, including 30 members of the public.  What I found interesting is that the director played no role in it.  He figured that pages, clerks and library assistants wouldn't be able to participate comfortably with him there.  Whereas I certainly admire the sacrifice, I am not sure if I agree with the total approach.  After all, isn't the library director supposed to set the vision for the organization.  Plus, politically, if it got out that the library director did not participate in his organization's strategic plan, I think it would look bad.  Just my opinion.

 

He then went on to talk about what it takes to be a successful director.  Not sure how this aligned with the rest of the talk, but here is what he said: 

- help articulate a vision

- find resources to achieve that vision

- hold people accountable for carrying out that vision 

The Sacto Library director talked about a Library Think Tank - role was to work on and revamp processes to improve Sacto services.  The Think Tank is made up of circ clerks and library assistants.  They have worked on efficiencies, welcome brochure, new newsletter, teen library cards, etc.  Sounds like this groups wields a lot of power.  I think they missed an opportunity somewhat with this by not including their librarians in this process. 

Overall, interesting ideas.  I think there is opportunity to get more involved in different  decision making areas.

MP