Linking Our Libraries
290 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsLibraries are amazing places! The work library people do is so wide-ranging, it can be hard to keep up on the latest news. We are here to help. Each episode, we focus on one area of library work, discuss library news stories, recommend some books, and share a Spotlight Library that is doing some interesting work.
If your image of libraries is dominated by crabby old women who shush you, or places where they scowl when you take books home - you are in for a big surprise. Libraries are the jewels of their communities, and doing all sorts of amazing things every day! Books are the backbone of any library, and there is so much more to do and to use. Service to every member of their community means searching out and connecting with the needs of a lot of different groups. No matter what your interests, there is a library out there for you!
Listen to us talk about some of the great things happening in libraries today!
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Episodes
Episode 411: Resource Management
November 15, 2018 08:00 - 15 minutes - 15 MBCheck out our full shownotes page here! Welcome back to Linking Our Libraries! This week we are going to talk about managing resources. If your people don’t have the things they need to get their jobs done, your leadership skills could use some sharpening! It seems pretty obvious when you think about: you and your organization need money and stuff to accomplish your mission. But it can be really easy to assume this is someone else’s job, or to assume that things just appear in front of ...
Episode 410 Enthusiasm
November 08, 2018 08:00 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBEnthusiasm can be easily overlooked as a significant leadership competency. As long as you have a mission, a strategic plan, and a staff – do you need anything else? Well, yes. Yes, you do. Any leader can immediately tell you the difference between a staff or a group that is only reluctantly going along with you to accomplish goals, and one that is excited to make things happen. Leaders are not the only cause of a good workplace, but a leader with enthusiasm for the library, for the missio...
Episode 409 Political Understanding
November 01, 2018 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBLeadership means being involved. It means working with other people. And it means getting in there and figuring out the best ways to serve your community and to keep your organization moving forward. Political understanding will let you do these things. Click here to check out our shownotes page, with all of our information!
Episode 408 Flexibility
October 25, 2018 07:00 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBWelcome back to Linking Our Libraries! This week we are going to talk about Flexibility as one of the most important skills leaders need to be successful in their workplaces. Check out our full shownotes page here, for all the info and links to the books we discuss. Joining us is Bethany Kauffman, Media Specialist and Book Club Advisor from Rogers High School. This is another one of those leadership competencies that may not seem important at first glance. But it is an important tool p...
Episode 407 Credibility
October 18, 2018 07:00 - 17 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week we are going to talk about building and having credibility as one of the most important skills leaders need to be successful in their workplaces. This is another one of the key competencies leaders need to be successful. Take a moment now and think about leaders, managers, and directors you know who lack credibility. They lie, the cheat, the shade the truth. You never know that what they are saying to you in the moment is what they will say tomorrow – or an hour from now. You jus...
Episode 406 Vision
October 11, 2018 06:00 - 16 minutes - 15.8 MBJoining us this week is Valerie Horton, director of Minitex! Check out our full show notes page here! Vision can mean different things to different people. But nearly every study of leadership skills and competencies agree that this is one of the most important leaders can develop. For our purposes, vision means looking at the future and see where the library can go; articulating directions to others. Of course, if we all had crystal balls and perfect views of the future, this would b...
Bonus Episode: Reprise of Conferences
October 08, 2018 07:00 - 20 minutes - 19.6 MBIt's time for the Minnesota Libraries Association Annual Conference! So we are posting this reprise to ensure everyone has some helpful tips on attending and presenting at conferences. Some shameless self-promotion here! We will be presenting at this conference on Thurs Oct 11 at 8:00am: The Basics of Community Engagement: Nailing the Fundamentals so Magic Can Happen! On Friday Oct 12 at 10:30 we will be giving this presentation: Leadership is On The Air! Training Through Podcasting! ...
Episode 405 Creativity
October 04, 2018 07:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBWelcome back to Linking Our Libraries! This week we are going to talk about Creativity in the workplace. Check out our full show notes page here. We are the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to chat with you this season about building your leadership skills. We provide support and training for all types of libraries, and our work can be used by anyone who wants to build skills, and to become a better leader in your own organization. Creativity in the workplace ...
Episode 404 Communication Skills
September 27, 2018 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.9 MBWelcome back to Linking Our Libraries! This week we are going to talk about Communication as a tool that leaders use to get things done. Being an effective communicator is one of the very best ways to demonstrate your leadership strength. What do we mean by communication? This week we mean speaking, writing, listening; understanding your message and conveying it to others. We have talked about good communication skills in a prior episode, so check out that episode together with this one...
Episode 403 Interpersonal Skills
September 20, 2018 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBWelcome back to Linking Our Libraries! This week we are going to talk about Interpersonal Skills as a tool that leaders use to get things done. Do you want to talk with us further about leadership skills? Do you need some training organized for your organization? We are here for you! Check out our website: cmle.org and let’s get this started! And now, on with the show! Who is here this week? Joining us is Leah Larson, from the Minnesota State Library Services! You know those other ...
Episode 402 Delegation
September 13, 2018 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBWelcome back to Linking Our Libraries! This week we are going to talk about Delegation as a tool that leaders use to get things done. Check out our full show information page here. We are the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to chat with you this season about building your leadership skills. We provide support and training for all types of libraries, and our work can be used by anyone who wants to build skills, and to become a better leader in your own organization....
Episode 401 Integrity
September 06, 2018 07:00 - 16 minutes - 16.1 MBWelcome back to Season Four of Linking Our Libraries! Check out our full show notes page right here. This season we are looking at the skills you can use to be a better manager and leader in your library, archive, history center, or other nonprofit. Over the next 15 episodes, we will cover some important skills you need to develop to be a stronger leader. These are not just good ideas – this list is based on research into effective management and leadership. You do not need to become an ...
Episode 315: Future of Libraries
May 10, 2018 14:18 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBWelcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries, for this, our final episode this season! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills … Continue reading Episode 315: Future of Libraries →
Episode 314: Research and Writing
May 03, 2018 11:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBCheck out our full information page here! Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills … Continue reading Episode 314: Research and Writing →
Episode 313: Teamwork
April 26, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16.8 MBCheck out our full information page here . Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of … Continue reading Episode 313: Teamwork →
Episode 312: Networking
April 19, 2018 11:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBIntroduction Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills and ideas. By the end of … Continue reading Episode 312: Networking →
Episode 311: Advocacy
April 12, 2018 11:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBWant to talk with us about this topic? Do you, your staff, or your organization need training in this topic? Want to write a policy, or develop a program? We are here for you! Click here to get started! Check out our full information page for all the info as well as links to the … Continue reading Episode 311: Advocacy →
Episode 310: Communication
April 05, 2018 11:00 - 20 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week we are looking at strategies for communication! It’s a surprisingly tough skill, but we have some strategies. Joining us is Guest Host Jami Trenam, from the Great River Library System and the Minnesota Library Association Legislative Committee. Communication is one of those leadership skills that seems like it should be so easy to … Continue reading Episode 310: Communication →
Episode 309: Building Organizational Culture
March 29, 2018 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBThis week we discuss Building Organizational Culture. Joining us is Guest Host Karen Pundsack, director of the Great River Regional Library system here in Minnesota. The Basics You know the difference between being in a workplace with a terrible organizational culture, and one that supports you and your professional development. If you have worked in … Continue reading Episode 309: Building Organizational Culture →
Episode 308: Budgeting
March 22, 2018 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBWelcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season we are working through the tools you can use to be a better manager and leader. This … Continue reading Episode 308: Budgeting →
Episode 307: Planning
March 15, 2018 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.9 MBIntroduction Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills and ideas. By the end … Continue reading Episode 307: Planning →
Episode 306: Decision Making
March 08, 2018 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBWelcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills and ideas. By the end of this … Continue reading Episode 306: Decision Making →
Episode 305: Discipline and Termination
March 01, 2018 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThis week we discuss two topics managers hate to deal with: Discipline and Termination. No one likes this, but it is vital to keeping your library healthy and functioning. Joining us is Guest Host Kathy Parker, Director of the St. Ben’s College and St. John’s University libraries. These human resources topics are deceptively hard to … Continue reading Episode 305: Discipline and Termination →
304: Motivation and Coaching
February 22, 2018 12:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBWant to listen to an episode? You can download an app, search for “Linking Our Libraries” hit subscribe, and all episodes will appear on your phone – it’s so easy! Apps we like include Pocket Casts, iTunes, and Stitcher. Download any of these, search for “Linking Our Libraries” and hit Subscribe. If it is not … Continue reading 304: Motivation and Coaching →
Episode 303: Hiring and Staffing
February 15, 2018 12:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB(Note: Lady Grey was in-house while we recorded this episode; so the parts that sound particularly great may have been influenced by her calming presence!) Check out our full information here! Welcome to another episode of Linking Our Libraries! This week our Guest Host is Carla Lydon, director of the East Central Library System here … Continue reading Episode 303: Hiring and Staffing →
Episode 302: Ethics
February 08, 2018 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBWelcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season we are working through the tools you can use to be a better manager and leader. … Continue reading Episode 302: Ethics →
Episode 301: Let’s Get Started! Management Theories for Us All
February 01, 2018 12:00 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBWant to talk with us about this topic? Do you, your staff, or your organization need training in this topic? Want to write a policy, or develop a program? We are here for you! Click here to get started! Introduction Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! This season we are spending time … Continue reading Episode 301: Let’s Get Started! Management Theories for Us All →
Season Two: Bonus Episode on Stress Management
December 07, 2017 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBHi, and welcome back to Linking Our Libraries! Just in time for the holidays, we are here with a bonus episode to our Season Two series. It’s a topic we all need now: Stress Management. Whether you are struggling with finals, trying to wrap up paperwork before the end of the year, or just working … Continue reading Season Two: Bonus Episode on Stress Management →
Episode 215 Library Impact and ROI
November 16, 2017 12:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB(Tune in for a bonus episode Dec 7 on handling stress!) Check our full information page for all our material! This is our last episode of Season Two! It has been great talking about all these topics this season, and communicating with you. Thanks so much for downloading and listening – it means a lot … Continue reading Episode 215 Library Impact and ROI →
Episode 214: Programming
November 09, 2017 12:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBCheck out our full information page here! Programming in libraries is the tool we use to connect our services with our community members. All libraries and archives do some level of programming, and for most of us doing more is better. But finding time to develop programs our community members want and need, advertising it … Continue reading Episode 214: Programming →
Episode 213: Reference
November 02, 2017 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBCheck out our full information page for all the material we discuss here, and some bonus links! Check out our Books & Beverages Podcast book group for different genre discussions every week! Reference work is what most people think of when they think about a library. Take a moment to picture it in your heads: … Continue reading Episode 213: Reference →
Episode 212: Open Access
October 26, 2017 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBThis is Open Access week, and we are celebrating with a podcast! (Check out our full information page here!) This is a topic with a lot of passion involved, and lots of big feelings on all sides of the discussion. Today we are just going to walk through some of the basics of how OA … Continue reading Episode 212: Open Access →
Episode 211: Technology Training for Library Staff
October 19, 2017 14:08 - 20 minutes - 18 MBContents of our information page: Introduction Background A Few Technology Training Resources Books We are Reading Conclusion Today we are talking about one of the biggies in the world of library work: Technology training. We all know it’s tough to keep up with the tech we need to use, and it can be even more … Continue reading Episode 211: Technology Training for Library Staff →
Episode 210 Customer Service
October 12, 2017 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBContents of our information page: Introduction Background The Basics A Few Stories from the Front Lines! Books We are Reading Conclusion This week we are talking customer service in your library: the good, the bad! Patrons, customers, or whatever you call those people who use your services, are the heart of it all – … Continue reading Episode 210 Customer Service →
Episode 209: Conferences – Attending and Presenting
October 04, 2017 15:12 - 20 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week we are talking about professional conferences: attending them and presenting at them. This is your chance to meet other people who do what you do, who like the same things you like, and who are experiencing some of the same challenges you are facing! In our system, made up of all types and … Continue reading Episode 209: Conferences – Attending and Presenting →
Episode 208: Evaluation
September 28, 2017 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBToday’s podcast is kind of a Part Two to last week’s podcast on Strategic Planning. In any kind of planning process, you want to know how things are going – and that’s evaluation! Does your library do regular evaluation? If you are like many, or most, libraries – probably not. It seems like a lot … Continue reading Episode 208: Evaluation →
Episode 207 Strategic Planning
September 21, 2017 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBThis week we are talking about Strategic Planning. Did everyone panic a little bit there? No need! Strategic Planning is one of those things that sounds scary and hard and like it will take you a huge amount of time. But really, it’s just thinking about the future and what you want to do in … Continue reading Episode 207 Strategic Planning →
Episode 206 Conflict Management
September 14, 2017 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBUsually we talk about how wonderful libraries are – and they are! And we talk about cheery, happy, fun things in libraries – and there are tons of them! But today we are talking about a much more uncomfortable topic, but important in libraries: Conflict. We are all about Minnesota Nice here, and it … Continue reading Episode 206 Conflict Management →
Episode 205 Staff Development
September 07, 2017 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBThis week we are talking about Staff Development, and we have a Guest Host: Elizabeth Proell, from St. Cloud Public Library. You know that to do any job in a library means you have to keep building and honing your skills. Everything we do changes, develops, and evolves – and this will never stop. If … Continue reading Episode 205 Staff Development →
Episode 204: Library Friends and Volunteers
August 31, 2017 11:00 - 24 minutes - 21.7 MBThis week we are talking about people who like libraries allllmooost as much as we do! Does your library have a Friends group? A PTA? A volunteer group? Something else? Any of these can be just great for you, and can really help to make your library life easier. There a subtle shades of differences … Continue reading Episode 204: Library Friends and Volunteers →