Small changes can make a big difference. #blogjune #3

Today's mantra: Small changes can make a big difference.

For me, small changes made a 15kg difference in 12 months.  No dieting for me, just conscientious decisions.  I don't believe in denying myself, however, I will limit myself, except when it comes to M&M's.  Although, I have managed to restrain myself to smaller serving sizes and still maintain the same level of satisfaction.

While some may see my increase in exercise and obsession with running a big change, for me it was minimal.  Really at the beginning I saw it as major change - getting up earlier, putting myself out of my comfort zone physically and mentally, and ensuring I don't cross that line that I have previously blogged about. But really it wasn't that hard and not such a big change after all.  It is now part of my lifestyle!

At work, small changes can make a big difference too - it's all in the way you present your collection.  Having books on display, changing things around in little ways - using a book spinner to display stock that doesn't usually move.  People see a new piece of furniture and wonder why the books are there - are they new books or something special?!?

Making an effort to remember people's names - yes small changes can make a big difference.  At first they were just coming into the library to get some books, but then the staff member addressed them by name and asked them something about what they had told them the last visit and a smile breaks out and it becomes more than a staff/client relationship - it becomes a caring one!  Yes, small changes can make a big difference!

So what small change have you made that made a big difference?  Or even better, what small changes you want to make will make a big difference??

#blogjune Post 7 - The Block - Library Style

I have been struck by lightning!!  Well ok, I've just had a brilliant idea - which probably means someone has already thought of this.

I wish there was a reality TV show where a group of professional library interior designers come to your library and give it a makeover!!!

And why am I wishing this??  Well, I have some branch libraries that need a revamp and I have a fear of moving things.  This may have been a result of growing up in a house that had furniture changes almost daily - no offence, Mum but I think we may have had at least 2-3 different beds in our bedrooms each year.  And the room would be re-arranged just as many times, if not more.

I hate moving furniture!!

So what better idea then to have someone come in and do it for me!!

I could do an audition tape crying about the state of my library branches and how I don't know where to start.  I have limited funding and staffing resources.

Cue, "The Block" style team but they are made up of library interior designers, or just librarians who have a flair for knowing how to re-arrange furniture to give the library branch a lift!

It can all be filmed to add to the drama - oh no, what to do when moving the shelves and they fall apart??  What about that huge rat that came out from behind the bookcase that hasn't been moved for the last 20 years??  But alas, all is almost lost when they move shelves around, only to find that particular collection won't fit??

Ok, I need to work on my drama, comedy act - but you get the picture!!

Anyone out there who has a flair for looking at a library and knowing how to vamp it up - how 'bout a holiday on the Mid-North Coast of NSW?!?!  I may not be able to pay you, but having a "holiday" here is worth it!!

Library Refurbishing

I love looking at libraries. When I go on holidays or drives to places I haven't been, I will often drag my poor family around to look at libraries. Then I embarrass them further by taking lots and lots of photos. I'm sure I'm not the only library professional that does this.

I am lucky enough to have seen a large number of libraries since starting my current job 3 years ago. In fact I have seen far more of NSW and its libraries than I have Qld, where I grew up and spent 30 odd years of my life.

The libraries I manage vary a great deal. Where I am based the most is a new library which opened just when I took on the role so I have been spoilt by having a brand new library to work in. It is small but we only serve a small population. The other 2 branch libraries are a little older and have interesting layouts. I am going to try to put some links to photos up here but it may or may not work. My branch library, one other branch library, and the other. There have been some minor changes made to the other branch libraries with some new lounges and mats but otherwise they are pretty much the same.

I have a limited equipment budget that I try to spend each year on things to make the other branch libraries function and look better. But I am sure there are ways I can work with what I have to make them have greater appeal. That said, the community has never complained about the buildings, other than to remark that they could be bigger. Most will say they love their branch libraries and they feel comfortable. However, we are running out of space - there is only so much weeding one person can do (I am the only professionally qualified staff member in my libraries). I hate to say it but even in the new library shelf space is becoming an issue.

So I put it out there for others to share their ideas of how they have worked with what they have? Or how they have approached getting funding for refurbishing etc?

I was going to share more photos but am having internet connection and blogger issues so let me know if you'd like to see some and I can share with you via email.