Jamie M. Gray - Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian: How to Get Things Done Right the First Time

Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian

Medical Library Association Books

The Medical Library Association (MLA) features books that showcase the expertise of health sciences librarians for other librarians and professionals.

MLA Books are excellent resources for librarians in hospitals, medical research practice, and other settings. These volumes will provide health care professionals and patients with accurate information that can improve outcomes and save lives.

Each book in the series has been overseen editorially since conception by the Medical Library Association Books Panel, composed of MLA members with expertise spanning the breadth of health sciences librarianship.

Medical Library Association Books Panel

Kristen L. Young, AHIP, chair

Dorothy Ogdon, AHIP, chair designate

Michel C. Atlas

Carolann Lee Curry

Kelsey Leonard, AHIP

Karen McElfresh, AHIP

Dorothy C. Ogdon, AHIP

JoLinda L. Thompson, AHIP

Heidi Heilemann, AHIP, board liaison

About the Medical Library Association

Founded in 1898, MLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization of 3,500 individual and institutional members in the health sciences information field that provides lifelong educational opportunities, supports a knowledgebase of health information research, and works with a global network of partners to promote the importance of quality information for improved health to the health care community and the public.

Books in the Series:

The Medical Library Association Guide to Providing Consumer and Patient Health Information edited by Michele Spatz

Health Sciences Librarianship edited by M. Sandra Wood

Curriculum-Based Library Instruction: From Cultivating Faculty Relationships to Assessment edited by Amy Blevins and Megan Inman

Mobile Technologies for Every Library by Ann Whitney Gleason

Marketing for Special and Academic Libraries: A Planning and Best Practices Sourcebook by Patricia Higginbottom and Valerie Gordon

Translating Expertise: The Librarians Role in Translational Research edited by Marisa L. Conte

Expert Searching in the Google Age by Terry Ann Jankowski

Digital Rights Management: The Librarians Guide edited by Catherine A. Lemmer and Carla P. Wale

The Medical Library Association Guide to Data Management for Librarians edited by Lisa Federer

Developing Librarian Competencies for the Digital Age edited by Jeffrey Coghill and Roger Russell

New Methods of Teaching and Learning in Libraries by Ann Whitney Gleason

Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian: How to Get Things Done Right the First Time by Jamie M. Gray

Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian

How to Get Things Done Right the First Time

Jamie M. Gray

ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD

Lanham Boulder New York London

Published by Rowman & Littlefield

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.

4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706

www.rowman.com

Unit A, Whitacre Mews, 26-34 Stannary Street, London SE11 4AB

Copyright 2017 by Medical Library Association

All rights reserved . No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Available

ISBN 9781442278684 (hardback : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781442278691 (pbk. : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781442278707 (electronic)

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Printed in the United States of America

Acknowledgments

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of the people who helped me through this creative process to bring an actual book to fruition. It was a long process, which I could not have undertaken without the expertise and contributions of so many.

First, Id like to offer a most sincere thanks to the librarians willing to share their true powerhouse experiences. Your concrete, approachable examples brought so much realness to the concepts the book discusses. You are examples of true powerhouse librarians not only for what you have been able to accomplish but also for the kindness and generosity of spirit you so willingly share with colleagues such as myself.

Second, this book would not have been possible without the colleagues and individuals who so graciously supported me as I worked to develop my voice and craft the message I wanted to share. I want to acknowledge Josh for his superior editorial skills and willingness to build me a template so I could just focus on the writing. And I want to thank Jeannie, Dick, Nicole, and David for providing feedback on various drafts; your insights and questions helped me explore new pathways and craft content Im truly proud of. And finally I thank Charles, for his flexibility and willingness to help me stay on track, despite lifes little detours.

Third, I would not have had the confidence to pursue such an undertaking without the solid and supportive mentors and colleagues, both new and old, with whom Ive had the privilege of working and of whom there are too many to list here. Your guidance, humor, creativity, and encouragement have been vital to this creative process and my career at large. I have learned so much about the art of getting things done from all of you. Thank you for being my teachers, colleagues, and friends.

And finally last, but certainly not least, I thank my loving family, in particular, my husband Matt, the best partner I ever could have hoped for. Without all of you, my efforts would be for naught. You are the motivation and inspiration that keeps me going every day. Thank you for your endless supply of love, encouragement, and support. You are my world.

Introduction

B ecoming a powerhouse librarian is not for the faint of heart. The process requires creativity, perseverance, the ability to laugh at ones self, and the ability to gain the trust of those around you. I wrote this book because I believe everyone has the potential to improve satisfaction at work (and in life) by contributing in a meaningful way. Improving your effectiveness is something we are all capable ofregardless of the world around us.

The contents of Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian: How to Get Things Done Right the First Time were shaped by an accumulation of experiences and observations gleaned throughout my career. I am truly humbled to be able to share these thoughts and insights with you.

Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian identifies specific behaviors and habits that you can cultivate to get things done in your organization. Regardless of job title, rank, or library type, we all desire to be effective and make a difference for our users. Inside youll find stories and insights from real professionals in the field, as well as templates and tips you can utilize in your own practice. Each chapter focuses on a different skill, mind-set, or behavior needed to successfully accomplish your professional (and personal) to-do list.

If you see yourself as any of the following, then this book is intended for you:

• A lifelong learner
• Someone who knows they might fail but is willing to go after his or her desires anyway
• A cheerleader to those around them
• Someone who believes its never too late to try
• Someone who has a desire to be any of the above and more

Becoming a Powerhouse Librarian is organized into overarching themes readers need to be aware of when striving to get things done. The following is a brief overview of the specific topics each chapter covers.