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Special Interest Group Archive: Academic Directors 1/11/2019

These are the notes from meetings dating back to 2015.

Introduction

The academic library directors met on Friday, January 11, 2018. The following notes are from the meeting.

Notes Part 1

The topic of discussion at the meeting was staff retreats. The discussion was organized around the 7Ps Framework.

The 7Ps Framework outlines the fundamental considerations when planning any meeting:

  • Purpose
  • Product
  • Process
  • People
  • Pitfalls
  • Preparation
  • Practical

 

We started the discussion by listing questions about staff retreats:

  • Why a retreat
  • Level of need at your library
  • How to assess a retreat and get feedback
  • How to set an agenda
  • How to ensure participation
  • How to get the right people involved
  • Lines of communication
  • Are people comfortable speaking at a retreat

 

What is the purpose of the retreat (WHY are we having it?)

  • Focus efforts of staff
  • Changes
  • Buy-in from staff
  • Get people to talk together face to face
  • Shared experience
  • Staff communication
  • Community experiences
  • Social events are also important for staff and staff interactions

 

 

Notes Part 2

Challenges that can be addressed at retreats:
  • How to get people to agree (For example, changes to reference)
  • Movement toward something new
  • Conflict may occur
  • Find a way to move forward
  • Maybe just discusses at a retreat not necessary come up with all the answers
  • A good topic will guarantee discussion

 

Process: Setting the agenda

  • Planning is essential
  • Who trust among the group
  • How to have a group process to set the agenda that 's positive
  • Look back a previously discussed areas to determine what is important
  • Activities
    • small group brainstorming
    • Dot exercise
    • idea board with post-it notes
    • SWOT 
    • Digital SWOT using tools like Poll Everywhere can be used to quickly gather data that people can use to respond to immediately
    • All voices are heard

 

Topics for discussion at a retreat:

  • Webpages
  • Reserves
  • Reference collections
  • Cataloging
  • Strangest planning
  • Library self-study

 

Possible topics for future SIG meetings:

  • HR library relationships
  • Professional development for staff

 

 

 

Southeastern NY Library Resources Council
21 South Elting Corners Road | Highland, NY 12528
Phone: (845) 883-9065
www.senylrc.org