Tag Archives: #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian

The 10-Minute International Librarian #52: Think of something that motivates you in your work

In busy jobs, it can be hard sometimes to stop and think.

We’ve talked a few times in previous posts about why it’s nonetheless important to do this, in order to plan, to learn, and to reflect.

Taking a moment to step back can allow you to think longer term, put things in perspective, and explore new and different ideas.

However, it can also be important in order to remind yourself what makes your job special for you!

Being able to recall key moments, or to articulate why you are doing something, can also be key to wellbeing at work, and in life in general.

So for our 52nd 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think of something that motivates you in your work.

Has there been a moment – for example an event, a service, or a piece of feedback – that gave you energy to carry on, and even to go further?

If you want to, write it down, as a reminder for yourself in future.

You can also share it using the comments box below!

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Key Initiative 2.2: Deliver high quality campaigns, information and other communications products on a regular basis to engage and energise libraries.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #51: Develop a roadmap

Getting from where you are now to your long-term goals is not always simple.

Especially for more ambitious objectives, success can be dependent on many different factors.

In particular, there may be pre-conditions – things that need to be in place in order to move forwards. These pre-conditions, in turn, may have their own pre-conditions, and so on.

IFLA’s own Strategy is built around the idea that to achieve our Vision, we need to strengthen the global voice of libraries, inspire and enhance professional practice, connect and enable, and optimise our own organisation.

Under these Strategic Directions, it includes different key initiatives that take our work forwards, making it manageable.

A similar approach can be helpful in many different situations however.

So for our 51st 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, develop a roadmap.

Bearing in mind both the long-term vision you have set yourself, and your short-term goals, try to create a sequence of actions you can take.

Just as you did in defining a short-term goal (Exercise #38), try to think ‘backwards’ from your longer-term vision (Exercise #27) – what different things need to happen to achieve this?

In what order do they need to happen? Where are there dependencies – i.e. where does achieving something depend on other factors being in place first?

Creating a roadmap – with deadlines – also helps you keep track of your progress!

Tell us about your experiences of defining a roadmap in the comments box below.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 3.3 Empower the field at the national and regional levels.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #50: Re-read the universal declaration of human rights

A key argument for the existence of libraries is not just that they are useful for their communities, but also deliver on key rights.

Central to this is the right of access to information, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, agreed in 1948.

Spelt out in full, this gives everyone freedom of expression, including the rights to seek, receive and impart information.

This is Article 19 of the Declaration, but there are 29 others!

A number of these refer to key issues for libraries, such as education, privacy, cultural participation and beyond.

These can be helpful as you thinking about your own work in an international context, as well as provide references for your advocacy.

So for our 50th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, re-read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Think about which articles refer to issues which matter for libraries, or where libraries can contribute.

You could even write down a couple of ideas about how you, through your work, you deliver on each of the articles you identify.

Share your ideas about which articles matter for libraries, and how you contribute in the comments below.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 1.4 Shape public opinion and debate around open access and library values, including intellectual freedom and human rights.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #48: Think of a trend that will shape the field

Libraries are closely tied to the communities they serve.

Changes in the way people live, earn, socialise and behave will often have an impact on what they need from libraries, and how they use them.

In the meanwhile technological shifts can affect how libraries, in turn respond.

In this way libraries are affected by the major economic, societal, cultural and technological evolutions.

Being aware of them, and thinking about their impact – both positive and negative – can help you plan, as well as providing a great basis for discussion with colleagues around the world.

For example, IFLA’s Trend Report identified a number of examples back in 2013, with a 2016 update offering further ideas.

So for our 48th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think of a trend that will shape the field!

Think about how it could impact your users, and so your own ability to serve them.

Are there opportunities to do something more or something different to provide more help?

Are there threats which will need to be addressed in order to ensure services into the future?

You can use this as a basis for discussions at meetings or events, or in your work with colleagues around the world.

Share your ideas on key trends affecting libraries in the comments below.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 2.1 Produce, communicate and distribute key resources and materials that inspire the profession.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #46: Nominate someone for a position in IFLA

Last week’s post focused on how everyone has the potential to be a leader, in whatever position.

Doing so can be great not only for individuals, who gain new skills and confidence, but also for the library field as a whole.

Now is of course a great time to be thinking about who could benefit from this opportunity, with IFLA’s nominations process still open for another week.

IFLA’s Members, Affiliates and volunteers all have possibilities to put forwards candidates for the over 800 posts available.

These include IFLA’s Governing Board, new regional committees, and the Professional Sections, Advisory Committees and Review Groups that explore in detail key issues, standards and practices.

They can often also nominate more than one candidate, giving a more diverse range of people the chance to build their experience and networks.

So for our 46th 10-Minute International Librarian  exercise, nominate someone for a position in IFLA.

There’s lots of information available on the IFLA website, including descriptions of the positions available, the rules, and the forms that nominees themselves will need to fill in.

All of our Members, Affiliates and volunteers will have received messages from IFLA Headquarters with links to forms to make nominations.

Get in touch with us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 4.2 Effectively mobilise our human resources and networks.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #45: think how you can be a leader

Building leadership can play an important role in advancing the work of the library field.

Yet being a leader isn’t only about being in charge. It’s just as much about moving things forwards, and helping others to realise their potential.

You can be a leader from so many different positions, through sharing your ideas, making connections, and supporting other people.

As a member of a committee or a team, you can build energy, suggest new ways of doing things, or take on responsibilities.

In doing so, you can build your own experience and confidence.

So for our 45th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think how you can be a leader!

How can you, from your current position, move your institution, association, or the library field as a whole forwards?

In what other positions could you do this?

It’s a great time to be thinking about this with IFLA’s nominations process open for another two weeks – find out about which posts are available on our elections pages.

But there are also likely to be formal, or less formal roles, in national or specialist associations, or within your own institution or community.

Let us know about the best examples of leadership that you have seen in the comments box below.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 3.4 Provide targeted learning and professional development.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

The 10-Minute International Librarian #44: Make time to talk

A lot of learning happens through reading or listening into events, podcasts or webinars, especially during the pandemic.

With lower tolerance for long sessions on videoconferencing platforms, it can be more difficult to find opportunities simply to talk freely about areas of interest and challenge.

Of course, this is one of the great things about opportunities to meet in person.

These can be chances to make unexpected discoveries, follow ideas, and come to unexpected conclusions. They can also be so valuable for wellbeing!

It’s therefore all the more important to keep opportunities for conversation, even now.

So for our 44th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, make time to talk.

Think of a colleague – at your institution, in your country, or internationally – with whom you can share ideas and experiences, and who may be able to offer you ideas or help you develop your own thinking.

Make sure you set aside enough time for a fuller chat – this will likely take more than 10 minutes! – and think about whether you want to turn off other devices, to avoid distraction.

What was the last really helpful conversation you had that helped you in your work? Share it in the comments below.

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 3.2: Support virtual networking and connections.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.