Action for Libraries
Guest Trainer to Present Special Workshop on Public Library Advocacy
BCR is bringing in guest trainer, Jim Connor, a second- term public library trustee with the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) in Colorado, on May 4 to present a special workshop, "Community Leadership - It's not a spectator sport!" The workshop, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is designed for trustees, friends and directors of public libraries. Participants will engage in discussions of leadership qualities and responsibilities for effective community leadership, advocacy and support for their organizations. Cost for the class is $150. Action for Libraries' interview with Connor about the class and his background in community advocacy appears below.
Q
What is your background? How did you first get involved in community leadership?
A
Both parents were involved in school and community activities, so it was just natural for my siblings and I to follow them into becoming involved in our community.
Scout troops, church groups, scrap metal and paper drives for "the war effort" (WW II) and on into high school and college. I served on Student Council and was Editor of the high school newspaper, took speech and drama classes, etc. Had my own shoe shining business and paper route when I was 9 years old and have been an entrepreneur ever since.
In adult life, I have held both elected and appointed positions in the community, plus being active in service/civic club work.
Q
Was Trustee College your brainchild? How did you get started?
A
Yes, the formation of the Trustee College came about as the result of my work with State Librarians and Trustee groups as a former RVP for the Trustee Division of ALA.
After appointment to the JCPL Board of Trustees, I began asking about the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee, along with the opportunity for development and education in that endeavor. Finding very little, I decided to take on the task of asking successful Trustee groups around the country to share their answers with me.
Over the next couple of years I put these factors together into a Trustee Orientation and Development program, which I began sharing at Library Conferences, and later in small workshops.
In turn, this brought me to the realization that many Libraries were not "community connected" in terms of sharing a leadership role. Many of the Trustees felt isolated and uninvolved in Library conference activity, while not always assuming an advocacy role within their own community. Some of my fellow Trustees, who were also Library Consultants, agreed to join with me in an effort to provide community leadership development programs and board orientation programs under the umbrella of the Trustee College.
My personal background is in Organization Management and Leadership Development, having spent nearly 40 years in working with Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development groups, including the U.S. Chamber before retiring to Arvada.
Then I published a local weekly newspaper for 10 years and retired again, only to gravitate into this fun and enjoyable work with Library leaders across the country.
Q
In your opinion, what are the key points to community leadership?
A
I believe the keys are integrity and the unselfish desire and willingness to work with others in the improvement of the community. Not just change, but actual improvements that will have a lasting benefit to the people we serve.
Q
What are the top skills a library leader would require in order to make a difference in how the library is viewed in the community?
A
- The ability to make tough decisions in a fair and reasoned manner, working with all interested persons and groups.
- Willingness to accept constructive criticism and the humility to examine personal attributes and shortcomings in dealing with others.
- Ability and desire to reach out to community leaders in a collaborative and cooperative manner for the benefit of all.
- Always and everywhere speaks about the benefits derived by the community from the Library resources and professional staff.
Q
How will people from the library community benefit from taking your workshops?
A
It will help confirm what they already know - The Library is the most important community asset in any thriving community.
This workshop will reinforce their ability and desire to bring that message to the community we serve.and make them believe it!