Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Gets Social!

One of the most exciting aspects of my first few weeks on the job at Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library has been the realization that many of the folks working here are as enthusiastic as I am about the potential for social networking sites to reach are audience in new ways.

We've been on Facebook for a while and we have most recently launched our Twitter account, too. My hope for the Library's presence in these networks is twofold: first, to encourage a conversation with our network of friends and followers about the Library and what our community wants from their library. And second, I hope that we take advantage of these networks to quickly, easily, and cheaply share with our network of friends and followers information about all we have to offer.

Clearly, the past several years have established beyond any argument that, when approached in the right way, both Facebook and Twitter can vastly increase participation in shaping the library's direction on the part of its users. Our challenge at SSJCPL will be to channel our own efforts such that we make meaningful connections with as many Stockton and San Joaquin County residents via these networks as possible. My personal approach to achieving this goal is to be as authentic as possible, to respond often to any and all comments (both positive and negative), to share useful content, and to encourage the sharing of useful content on the part of our friends and followers.

One specific idea I'd like to see become popular with our Facebook network is the FB book club. Without having a name more clever than that, what I envision is simple: start with a post that links to a book in our catalog paired with a brief commentary and the encourage our friends to share their comments on the title while also sharing some other reading suggestions similar to the title in question.

The pithy format of Twitter lends itself more to information sharing than having conversations so I imagine the SJJCPL Twitter voice will be used to share news about events, new catalog additions, changes to hours, etc. Though, I have seen firsthand how some users have approached a library Twitter account to ask reference questions. I hope that happens at SSJCPL, too!

A Volume of Challenges? That's Not How I See It!

"Did you see the editorial about you yesterday?" That was the question greeting me this morning after finding my office, still bleary from lost sleep due to Saturday's "spring ahead". Uh, no. Do I want to? So obviously the first thing I did after firing up the computer was head over to the Stockton Record to take a look at what was being said about me. Being new to this level of government administration, hearing that there is an editorial about me in the paper creates a strange sensation. I imagine one gets used to it.

For the record (no pun intended), I loved Sunday's editorial (you might be prompted to log in; if so, you can create an account for free). Knowing that the local paper understands the importance of having a capable administrator for the public library system, even in difficult economic times, is so encouraging. After all, questioning my hire at this point in Stockton's (and San Joaquin County's) fiscal struggle is understandable and to be expected. But still, reading in the paper that "there's a lot more to it than checking out books and putting them back on the shelf when they're returned.To suggest otherwise is a little like asking why a dispatcher can't run a fire department" is refreshing!

I've said it already but I get the feeling this won't be the last time: the people served by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library really love their libraries. I couldn't be more thrilled at the opportunity to work with everyone involved to help turn this library system into one that is respected and even envied throughout this state!

This has me in mind of some of the conversations I had on Friday night at the Library and Literacy Foundation's hugely successful 19th Annual Trivia Bee; several people with whom I was chatting joked about the circumstance of coming to SSJCPL what with all the current challenges. Each time this sentiment was expressed, I responded honestly that I see this period in the Library's history as one of great opportunity rather than one of great challenge. Each time I responded this way, I was met with chuckles. Not that those with whom I was talking didn't believe in me optimism; however, the easy way would be to feel sorry for ourselves. I've already gotten to know many of the folks who work for the Library and it is clear this isn't a group who wants to feel sorry for themselves. They want to find ways to surmount our collective challenges and come out the better for it. And I look forward to doing just that!

Starting in a Bind?

Yesterday, David Siders of the Stockton Record published a well-written piece about the new City Librarian (that's me!) for the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library. The piece was titled, "Starting in a Bind". The "bind" refers to our current budget concerns which are very real. However, after one week on the job here, I can't help but feel optimistic. Why? Well, the current Library budget is down 20% from last year and staffing at the Library is down 34% in the same period. And that's a reason for optimism, you ask? Of course not. But! I am so, so impressed with the staff here at the Library. The level of enthusiasm and love these folks show for their work is inspiring. Sure these are difficult times financially but, as the old saying goes, "this, to, shall pass". In the meantime, the staff here aren't just going through the motions while hanging their heads low. People are excited about providing wonder library service to their communities. The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is an exciting place to be right now!

A New Beginning

It's been a long one but I'm now wrapping up my first full day on the job as the City Librarian for the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library! This workday started like they all will for the foreseeable future: with a 45 minute drive from Sacramento south to Stockton through California's Central Valley (I have a feeling I'm going to be one of Stockton's biggest audio book customers!) followed by a couple of hours of orientation with the City of Stockton before I finally made it to the Library for real.

Having finally made it to my office, I met several very friendly and enthusiastic Library People, had a chance to catch my breath, and then the day started in earnest. I've been in meetings essentially for the past four hours! And judging by my calendar (it is seriously filling up FAST!), there will be lots more to come. I'm not a meeting hater, though; I am anxious to become familiar with the ins and outs of this library and this community and talking with those who have been here a while is the best way to do that!

The rest of this week has me meeting with plenty of folks from the branches, folks from other City divisions, and getting deep into planning for next year's budget. I'm looking forward to learning a ton and contributing in every way I can to this excellent library system!