Back in Circulation Again 2024

Libraries, especially public libraries, went through a major service model revamp as a response to the pandemic. As we reviewed services, programs, and how we interacted with the public, it also revealed how much public libraries need to rely on the perspectives and expertise of all staff to provide meaningful services and programs. As middle managers, how do we do that? In the past two and a half years as a branch manager, I have consciously attempted to share decision making and authority with employees while concurrently providing clear expectations and support. Join me in this discussion. I’ll share how I’ve built relationships with employees to help them identify their expertise and ability to problem solve with their colleagues and stopped being an obstacle for my employees being able to recognize and embrace their leadership skills and the challenges I encountered or am still encountering. I look forward to learning from participants what strategies have worked for them or what they are working on changing.