Core Creative Ideas in Technical Services Interest Group

Creative Ideas in Technical Services Discussion Group

ALA Annual Conference 2010

Table 6

Stuck in the middle : communicating effectively with library administrators and technical services staff

The questions listed below are simply suggestions for guiding and structuring your conversation.  You needn’t feel compelled to use the list or to cover all of the questions.  Don’t hesitate to consider other, better questions that may come up during your conversation.  

• What does ‘good communication’ mean to you?

• What are some of the barriers to ‘good communication’ that you face in technical services?  How can you move past them?

• Is it easier to communicate with your supervisor or with your staff? Why?

• Is it easier for you to communicate in person, by phone, e-mail, instant message, or some other medium?  How can you improve your communication skills in the difficult areas?

• Are people comfortable talking to one another in your library? Are some things harder to talk about than others?  (e.g. Lunch-time gossip vs. asking for/receiving assistance with a project?)

• Is it important to schedule regular meetings with your supervisor and/or staff to ensure that important issues are communicated?  Can this help identify ‘issues’ before they become ‘problems’?

• How can you encourage more open communication within your library?