As stated in a previous post ("Audience Questions"), I created this blog to capture my experiences in the ALA EL program as well as other professional experiences that relate to the topic of leadership.
This statement directs us to the question ... What is leadership?
My hope is that professionals, especially those in the library community, will utilize this blog format to its full potential by providing their own comments ... their own insight into the meaning of "leadership". By using this format in the way it is intended (as a social network inviting professional comments), current leaders can enlighten not only new professionals such as myself but also generations of leaders to come.
Therefore, the goal of this post is to ask the question: "What is leadership?" as well as to provide space for others' responses.
I will not yet comment on this question myself. While I do have some ideas on the topic (some of which I have hidden within these posts and will later reveal), I want to provide the space for others' to share ideas before I lead the conversation.
I expect to post my initial interpretations on the meaning of "leadership" around January 1, 2009. Hopefully, this will provide enough time for me to increase my readership and their participation.
As I participate in the EL program and receive more interpretations via others' comments, I expect to modifiy my initial definition and will post my new thoughts toward the end of 2009.
Thank you for taking time to share your experiences and insight here =) I look forward to your participation!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Imperfection
As a Children's Librarian, I plan and lead a variety of programs that target children spanning from the ages of six months to twelve years. As one should expect when working with children, my programs are synonymous with commotion.
I use the term "commotion" to capture the energy, activity, and surface chaos ( ... okay ... sometimes actual chaos ...) that accompanies my programs. Overall, I see this commotion as a positive reaction ... Brains are still developing, and there are so many topics to explore and discuss ... There is so much to see and do!
Working in an urban location of my library's system, the majority of children who come to my programs are brought by daycares or preschools. Occasionally, it is necessary for several of these groups to come at the same time, and when that happens ...
I wish each child could experience my program with a one-on-one caregiver.
Socialization and learning how to be part of a group are very important. ("Life is people and relationships" as my mom has told me.) However, if I'm interpreting the information correctly, the research on (individual) brain development (especially from birth to age three) points to critical learning through one-on-one interaction ... from the amount of time devoted to bonding as well as time devoted to conversation. Even tweens and teens have developmental needs that demand the time and attention of individual adults.
Yesterday morning, I actually had one caregiver and child from the general public at my program. This was in addition to three preschool classrooms. During the arts and crafts activity, I was able to share a few words with the two, but stated I would return to talk some more.
In the commotion, I neglected to return.
After everyone had left, I realized my mistake and felt ... I can't think of a better word than ... down.
After talking with colleagues, I understand that one does what one can ... planting seeds along the way ... For that moment though, I just felt a little blue. I can understand how the two felt isolated from the preschool groups and had wanted to extend my welcome in order to encourage families to continue to attend my programs.
I use the term "commotion" to capture the energy, activity, and surface chaos ( ... okay ... sometimes actual chaos ...) that accompanies my programs. Overall, I see this commotion as a positive reaction ... Brains are still developing, and there are so many topics to explore and discuss ... There is so much to see and do!
Working in an urban location of my library's system, the majority of children who come to my programs are brought by daycares or preschools. Occasionally, it is necessary for several of these groups to come at the same time, and when that happens ...
I wish each child could experience my program with a one-on-one caregiver.
Socialization and learning how to be part of a group are very important. ("Life is people and relationships" as my mom has told me.) However, if I'm interpreting the information correctly, the research on (individual) brain development (especially from birth to age three) points to critical learning through one-on-one interaction ... from the amount of time devoted to bonding as well as time devoted to conversation. Even tweens and teens have developmental needs that demand the time and attention of individual adults.
Yesterday morning, I actually had one caregiver and child from the general public at my program. This was in addition to three preschool classrooms. During the arts and crafts activity, I was able to share a few words with the two, but stated I would return to talk some more.
In the commotion, I neglected to return.
After everyone had left, I realized my mistake and felt ... I can't think of a better word than ... down.
After talking with colleagues, I understand that one does what one can ... planting seeds along the way ... For that moment though, I just felt a little blue. I can understand how the two felt isolated from the preschool groups and had wanted to extend my welcome in order to encourage families to continue to attend my programs.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Character
I received another face-to-face comment about this blog. It was worded something like this:
"The only thing I don't like are the large, bold words. My eyes want to focus on them."
I had planned to reveal the meaning behind this feature (as well as other subtleties in this blog) in my first December post. Due to interest, I will address this particular feature now.
I am enlarging and bolding the keywords in each post ... the one or two words that describe the critical action or topic of the post ... the words that quickly (and noticeably) answer, "What happened?"
This feature is important for two reasons:
Focus: The large, bold words focus the audience's attention (as well as my own) on what I feel is the essence of what I have experienced. They also act as an overview or quick reminder of detailed events.
Character: This feature also provides character. This blog is a reflection of myself ... an individual who appreciates organization ... an individual who appreciates the ArtS, including visual presentation.
"The only thing I don't like are the large, bold words. My eyes want to focus on them."
I had planned to reveal the meaning behind this feature (as well as other subtleties in this blog) in my first December post. Due to interest, I will address this particular feature now.
I am enlarging and bolding the keywords in each post ... the one or two words that describe the critical action or topic of the post ... the words that quickly (and noticeably) answer, "What happened?"
This feature is important for two reasons:
Focus: The large, bold words focus the audience's attention (as well as my own) on what I feel is the essence of what I have experienced. They also act as an overview or quick reminder of detailed events.
Character: This feature also provides character. This blog is a reflection of myself ... an individual who appreciates organization ... an individual who appreciates the ArtS, including visual presentation.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Audience Questions
My first comment about this blog was made to me in person. The interaction went something like this:
"Hayley, I like your blog ... but I wish you would have mentioned the library where you work."
"Well, I didn't know if it would be safe ..."
It's true that I had purposefully not mentioned the city where I live or the library where I work.
Why?
Background
In the past, I've started a Livejournal account (2003-06), a Myspace account (2006-07), and a Facebook account (2004-present). I'll even admit to joining FriendFinder for a month in 2007. I joined each of these social networking sites for a different reason and have had very different experiences with each. In each successive experience, I also brought a different degree of maturity.
It wasn't until I was pursuing my Masters degree that I was the most concerned about unknown Others stumbling across my personal life and information. In particular, I heard the rumor that employers were starting to access social networking sites as a non-traditional means of "interviewing" or background checking. (This is in itself an interesting issue to address, but it is not the focus of my post.) Therefore, I actually set aside time to look more carefully at the information I was providing as well as learn about how to set my accounts to a degree of privacy wherein I was comfortable.
It's not that I was actually posting information that might bring unwanted attention ... It's that I had never thought about the possibility of my personal and professional life unexpectedly meeting.
More recently, about a month ago, my father asked me about my involvement in the internet's social networking sites and mentioned some related (though now forgotten) internet horror story. While I assured him my Facebook account was privatized, the warning lingered ...
Answer
I created this blog in order to capture my involvement in the American Library Association (ALA)'s Emerging Leader (EL) program as well as look at my work-related experiences through the lens of the idea of leadership. Though this was my acknowledged goal during set-up, I didn't realize (until tonight) that of all my self-initiated social networking experiences thus far, this blog is unique.
Its purpose is professional.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Hayley McEwing. I have a Masters in Library and Information Science from Kent State University and am working as a full-time children's librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Youngstown, Ohio. I believe that libraries transform communities!
"Hayley, I like your blog ... but I wish you would have mentioned the library where you work."
"Well, I didn't know if it would be safe ..."
It's true that I had purposefully not mentioned the city where I live or the library where I work.
Why?
Background
In the past, I've started a Livejournal account (2003-06), a Myspace account (2006-07), and a Facebook account (2004-present). I'll even admit to joining FriendFinder for a month in 2007. I joined each of these social networking sites for a different reason and have had very different experiences with each. In each successive experience, I also brought a different degree of maturity.
It wasn't until I was pursuing my Masters degree that I was the most concerned about unknown Others stumbling across my personal life and information. In particular, I heard the rumor that employers were starting to access social networking sites as a non-traditional means of "interviewing" or background checking. (This is in itself an interesting issue to address, but it is not the focus of my post.) Therefore, I actually set aside time to look more carefully at the information I was providing as well as learn about how to set my accounts to a degree of privacy wherein I was comfortable.
It's not that I was actually posting information that might bring unwanted attention ... It's that I had never thought about the possibility of my personal and professional life unexpectedly meeting.
More recently, about a month ago, my father asked me about my involvement in the internet's social networking sites and mentioned some related (though now forgotten) internet horror story. While I assured him my Facebook account was privatized, the warning lingered ...
Answer
I created this blog in order to capture my involvement in the American Library Association (ALA)'s Emerging Leader (EL) program as well as look at my work-related experiences through the lens of the idea of leadership. Though this was my acknowledged goal during set-up, I didn't realize (until tonight) that of all my self-initiated social networking experiences thus far, this blog is unique.
Its purpose is professional.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Hayley McEwing. I have a Masters in Library and Information Science from Kent State University and am working as a full-time children's librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Youngstown, Ohio. I believe that libraries transform communities!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Experience
While creating yesterday's post, I periodically saved my draft.
Five minutes later, when I tried to review the text for the last time and wanted to post, the suspicion that hovered in my subconscious had become a reality ...
Only my very first draft had been saved.
Disappointed? Yes. Stressed? There was an additional sigh added to the day's "mistakes."
I've had recent experience with unexplainable technology bloopers, so I could accept what had happened. I created a new strategy for blog posting: "Print before logging out."
Five minutes later, when I tried to review the text for the last time and wanted to post, the suspicion that hovered in my subconscious had become a reality ...
Only my very first draft had been saved.
Disappointed? Yes. Stressed? There was an additional sigh added to the day's "mistakes."
I've had recent experience with unexplainable technology bloopers, so I could accept what had happened. I created a new strategy for blog posting: "Print before logging out."
Friday, November 7, 2008
Planning
Today I followed a link from the 11/5/08 American Libraries Direct electronic newsletter and read a post from the blogging team "Lifehacker." Ultimately, I became familiar with the site kayak.com.
When I first accessed the Lifehacker blog, their post asked for suggestions of best travel sites. In the 40 some comments I skimmed, kayak.com was listed the most.
When I explored the site myself, I found it usable and detailed; I understood the organization of the site and was able to make advanced searches to fit specific travel needs.
In twenty minutes, I found a $200 cheaper round trip flight ... through the same airline whose own website I had searched the day before ...
When I first accessed the Lifehacker blog, their post asked for suggestions of best travel sites. In the 40 some comments I skimmed, kayak.com was listed the most.
When I explored the site myself, I found it usable and detailed; I understood the organization of the site and was able to make advanced searches to fit specific travel needs.
In twenty minutes, I found a $200 cheaper round trip flight ... through the same airline whose own website I had searched the day before ...
It seems that no matter what age or stage in life, a person emerges into a different space or place when he or she explores others' suggestions.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Gratitude
To the Ohio Library Council Board of Directors:
I would like to thank you for your congratulations and your support during my participation in the 2009 American Library Association’s (ALA) Emerging Leaders (EL) program. While I am honored that I have been chosen for this awesome experience, I am equally thrilled to receive your support!
As Mr. Douglas Evans explained to me via email and phone early last month, I understand that I am to provide your organization with a report of my involvement in the Emerging Leaders (EL) program. My report will not only demonstrate what I have learned, but it may also be valuable to the Ohio Library Council membership.
While this report is not required until the conclusion of the EL program, I thought that it may be valuable to document the process and to share my experiences as I encounter them. My blog entitled "Learning: Emerging Leadership" has been created for this purpose. This format will also allow you, other Ohio Library Council members, and any interested individuals from the internet community the ability to ask me questions about certain EL experiences or to post insights on the topic of leadership.
Thank you once again for your support. It is much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Hayley McEwing
I would like to thank you for your congratulations and your support during my participation in the 2009 American Library Association’s (ALA) Emerging Leaders (EL) program. While I am honored that I have been chosen for this awesome experience, I am equally thrilled to receive your support!
As Mr. Douglas Evans explained to me via email and phone early last month, I understand that I am to provide your organization with a report of my involvement in the Emerging Leaders (EL) program. My report will not only demonstrate what I have learned, but it may also be valuable to the Ohio Library Council membership.
While this report is not required until the conclusion of the EL program, I thought that it may be valuable to document the process and to share my experiences as I encounter them. My blog entitled "Learning: Emerging Leadership" has been created for this purpose. This format will also allow you, other Ohio Library Council members, and any interested individuals from the internet community the ability to ask me questions about certain EL experiences or to post insights on the topic of leadership.
Thank you once again for your support. It is much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Hayley McEwing
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