I have now experienced something twice in my life that I hope never happens to any of my readers. I have been nearby when someone I care about has suffered a stroke. The first time was two years ago when my father, already suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, was stricken; then again, last week, when one of our board members fell ill while attending a library public program. There was one major difference between these two instances. In the first, our family delayed, not sure what the odd symptoms meant. In the second, our board president was talking to her colleague when she immediately recognized the tell-tale signs. Our board president demanded, not requested, that her friend go with her to the hospital immediately, and so they went. My father died two weeks after his stroke. Our board member has been given absolutely every chance of recovery because of the calm decisive action of our president. I urge everyone reading this to review the symptoms of a stroke, and not be concerned with petty embarrassment if you suspect a stroke may be occurring. Time = Hope.

Signs of a stroke from the National Stroke Association

I attended my first SirsiDynix Webinar last week; the topic was writing for the library profession. One of the tips given by the presenters was "SIGN IT. If you can't, don't write it." I thought that was very good advice, but at the end of the hour program, that idea was challenged.
Apparently there are librarians who feel that if they speak up, their jobs will be jeopardized. My mind races.... to insecure administrators who are so controlling that the employees can't say "boo" without repercussions ....to gossipy employees telling tall tales that breech patron confidentiality.
I've read anonymous comments posted on numerous library blogs. They are often negative and sometimes even mean spirited. I always wonder about the person's credibility. There is no way of following up with them to clarify a point, or to correct the problem. To me when someone makes an anonymous comment, they are not interested in finding a solution or in improving their library or the library profession, they are interested in complaining.
You know who I am; who are you?

Cindy Fuerst
Library Director

No matter how good a staff is people will get on each other's nerves eventually. People focus on the pettiest gripes. Don't deny it, you do it too! Left unattended, these pressures can break down an otherwise efficient team. That's why it is vitally important to do something away from work to rebuild the spirit of cooperation. Baseball has done the trick for us. Last week was "Library Appreciation Day" at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, so some Library staff and kids from Project Next Generation took a chartered bus to the game. Though the Sox are not living up to the joyous days of the 2005 championship season, they managed to polish off the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 11-6. Even better, our Library's name appeared on the scoreboard! If work is getting too heavy, get out and have some fun. All work and no play makes Johnny a dull librarian.

Steve Bertrand
Assistant Director