Core Dialogue with Directors Interest Group

Dear Colleagues-

At our spring Zoom discussions, we learned that recruitment and retention is one of the topics on directors' minds in a post-pandemic world. 

What is your biggest challenge in this area or what is something new you or your organization has done that has helped to retain staff?

Perhaps you're making your first hire as a library director or senior administrator and are looking for good tips about the process; or you're a seasoned director willing to share your knowledge and experience with others. Maybe it's the other way around-you've recently lost a couple of good people and wonder what you, or your library, can do to help keep staff. How has flexible work or hybrid work arrangements factored into hiring and retention?

We encourage your comments and any related questions about these timely topics via Connect. If you'd rather we setup a Zoom time to discuss in person, let us know that too! We look forward to connecting with you!

** * * *

Be well,

Denise Shorey and Shelly McCoy

co-chairs, Dialogue with Directors IG

Shelly-

Thanks again for getting this ball rolling.

It almost goes without saying that adequate compensation can be a deciding factor for many people. Many people who work in libraries aren't in it for the money, but as the Great Resignation showed, people are willing to leave guaranteed jobs for a number of reasons. Job satisfaction can take a back seat to money, particularly if someone feels they're not being appropriately compensated. Has anyone had to deal with a situation like this recently? If so, were you able to increase pay? Offer something else in exchange? Some solutions can include doing a market comparison, rewriting a position description for reclassification, or making a case to others that the time and resources expended in replacing an individual (especially a talented one) might exceed the increase in pay.

Conversely, what about individuals who are poorly compensated but who want to remain? It might not seem as though this is a problem, but it could become one. Some solutions (assuming none of the above strategies work) are to show the individual how much YOU value them. A compliment or kind word can go far, and a pleasant work environment and opportunities to shine or be recognized may be all that someone needs to keep them happy. What else have directors done to show appreciation or support?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Denise.

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Denise M Shorey, MLS | Director of Library Services | she/her/hers (what's this?)

Albright College Gingrich Library | CCM 113 | P.O. Box 15234, Reading, PA 19612-5234

libservices.albright.edu | library.albright.edu | 610.921.7852 | dshorey@albright.edu

Dear Colleagues-

 At our spring Zoom discussions, we learned that recruitment and retention is one of the topics on directors' minds in a post-pandemic world. 

What is your biggest challenge in this area or what is something new you or your organization has done that has helped to retain staff?

 Perhaps you're making your first hire as a library director or senior administrator and are looking for good tips about the process; or you're a seasoned director willing to share your knowledge and experience with others. Maybe it's the other way around-you've recently lost a couple of good people and wonder what you, or your library, can do to help keep staff. How has flexible work or hybrid work arrangements factored into hiring and retention?

 We encourage your comments and any related questions about these timely topics via Connect. If you'd rather we setup a Zoom time to discuss in person, let us know that too! We look forward to connecting with you!