LIS 650In this class we created a needs assessment while in a team group environment for a branch library. Our team did a needs assessment for a branch of the Forsyth County Library System with whom one of the employees also an MLIS student, was on our team. There was a lot of lessons learned with a project of this volume. A needs assessment is a critical skill to determine what the needs of a library or organization internal and external customers are. There is the vision of what it should be but it is totally different in what it actually turns out to be. Our team had to create a series of interview and surveys questions for both library employees and the public. This was exciting and the team I was involved with were very strong movers and shakers. At one point I had to sit back and just observe because they took control of the project, while I was left speechless. My part consisted of the demographics which I loved doing. I am the type who wants to know all of the history of a town and its people before making any big picture decision. I found it odd that this community had a high volume of single parent households with children under the age of 18. The library on the other hand as we found out did not have many programs geared toward this population. The other needs were more programs learning technology. The library workers were highly praised but the programming was in need of adjustments. I believe employee recognition was lacking as well and our team mate who never received praises, did get a plague for her hard work at this library. That was more worthwhile to see than anything from this team group environment. The need to be appreciated and praised is a very important aspect of employee satisfaction on the job. Team group work can be quite challenging, I have been a member of a great team and also not so great team. The qualities needed for great team group work is communication. My takeaway from this last team group project is to communicate, communicate and communicate. |
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My second project in the LIS 650 Leadership and Management class was to interview a director of a library. This was very educational and interesting. The public’s view of a librarian is one who sits behind a desk and reads all day, which is such a joke. The job as a director is beyond the public’s imagination. The one major task is the responsibility of the budget, which after learning how tedious and tiresome this can be left no room for a desire to be a director. This position is wearing many hats while being very good with emotional intelligence. The demanding responsibilities really has turned my thought process of a director into one that is highly appreciative of their service.
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