iFought the iPads

I fully intended to write a blog to follow up my Kiddie Cafe, but I ended up writing an article for OCLC's WebJunction website. You can read it here: http://webjunction.org/news/webjunction/ifought-the-ipads-and-iwon.html or watch for it in their April newsletter the Crossroads. I will work on a follow up article that will share more personal tales of working with the children and parents as well as deciding apps.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If I even help one person from the frustration I felt when trying to set up an iPad on display from out of the box, it was well worth it.

Appy iPads: Kiddie Café

The project I manage for months began with a desire to replace a kinderloft. To replace a much beloved, but non practical, structure with something children would enjoy just as much. I volunteered for the project because I wanted to get rid of the kinderloft and I enjoyed working on the reference floor reconfiguration. Using some of my knowledge gained from my child development degree was a nice bonus.

Although it seemed like it would be an easy project it seemed to take on a life of its own. I ended up working with vendors and companies, several different library departments, and learning to roll with changes which included complications, timing for signs and staff, budgets, and more that was unpredictable.

It took me awhile to figure out what to do for the children's area and I asked staff for their opinions. I wanted to make sure I knew what the problems we already had for the youth services area and what improvements we could easily make. One practical solution was to set up a space that was a little bit bigger just for children. And another concern was that we wanted to include a Wii station for teens, but wondered where the best place to put it would be. I learned a lot from this project especially to be patient, to seek the advice of others to gain knowledge, but in the end hard decisions must be made with the best information possible.

Although I have worked with vendors and companies before, this is first time I was able to contact and get pricing for items as a staff member working for Rapid City Public Libraries. I enjoyed picking out individual pieces and figuring out what additions we could add to excite children. Our staff was very excited to see a change but at one point there was a thought to put in large steps. The step idea had staff wonder about concerns whether or not it would be too loud, how much it would cost, or if it was even practical at all. The steps were then surely scrapped and a better idea emerged- kiddie cafe.

An idea sprang about from a co-worker's recent visit to an urgent care clinic. There at the clinic were iPads for children to use while they waited. Once this idea came together I was able to work quickly with facilities and a contractor. It was amazing to see ideas I drew on paper come to life. The finished product was even better than I imagined. Children loved the wall desk even before we put in iPads.

The next phase after getting the iPads was setting them up. I'll continue my story soon with iFought the iPads and end with stands and displays.

There is no "me" in Team

Not sure how to work in a team? Don't worry- there are books, quotes, webinars, classes, and many more resources to help you with that. But first, do you know where you fit? They say there is no "I" in team but there is a "me".  What you bring to the table is part of that collaboration- that part that creates the environment and camaraderie.

Before I began work at Rapid City Public Libraries, even before my interview, I was asked to complete a personality test. This is becoming a common occurrence in businesses. After all, everyone can be taught how to do something but generally you can't change a personality. But what test do you take?

• Myers-Briggs
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter
• Strong Interest Inventory

I can't tell you which test(s) is exactly correct. That is a matter of personal opinion. In the case of your library or place of employment, they might lean towards one that best represents their goals or mission statement. If you have the chance take a test or two, please do. Don't let it overwhelm you, look at it as a chance to step back and look at your personality traits. Now comes the part that every teammate has to learn:

• Being in a team is not something you completely prepare yourself for. Unless you have physically gone through every situation imaginable, you don't know how you will react- also, you don't know how other people will think or how they will react. 

Don't misunderstand me. I don't mean that the books, classes, and everything else can't help you...they will to a certain point. After that you are left with: you, your teammates, and hopefully a chance to communicate. I learned in my first year that communication is not just talking and listening, but also taking a moment to consider what the other person is saying. 

No matter how many "I feel" statements or thoughtful questions you ask, you won't get anywhere if you already built a wall around yourself. Open yourself up to hear what your teammate is trying to tell you. And they should do the same for you in return. Who knows, those uncomfortable/awkward moments might have just been a misunderstanding. Or a difference in definition. For example, I tell you I will call you soon. You thought I meant I would call you in the next couple hours but I meant I would call you within the next couple of days.

• Tip: If you're becoming frustrated at work, you waited too long to talk about it (the person or situation that frustrates you). As a part of U.S. culture, conflict is not something we are taught to relish. Conflict is mostly thought to be messy, personal, emotional, and unpleasant. It might be all those things and more, but it might also be a necessary evil. Remember, with conflict comes change- and that could be positive. 

I personally learned that I should speak out when things are starting to get to me. An example is the theme book displays. I take great pride in filling them and feel validated when patrons check them out. Hey, I picked a good one! But when my teammates are too busy to fill it and I end up taking time out of my own projects to fill them, then I feel frustrated. To me it's not just a side project that I like, but good marketing sense. If half the grocery store is stocked, it doesn't look as appealing. So in my way of thinking, why would you purposely leave a large display half filled?

Do you know what I found out by speaking up and communicating with my co-worker? That some of them felt the same way. It is not efficient or effective to have a team where one person feels like the other members are not helping out. But what is shocking to know is...they don't know how you feel unless you tell them. Also, if you're bogged down with a lot of work to do, maybe someone can offer to  help or offer a reasonable solution.

I will leave you with one final truth about teamwork- it's never finished. The projects might be completed, the group may get along wonderful, but life will happen and adjustments will need to be made. Teams need to have adaptability and work with change. But here's the good news, you're not alone in a team.