Spread the Word about the Value of Libraries, April 14–20

Posted by on April 13, 2013

National Library Week, April 14 through 20

Let us know what you value about your library – in person and online Forget “shhhhh-ing!” This week your library is making some noise. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library joins libraries across the country for Library Week, April 14–20. “All week we’ll be promoting the value of using your library. Come to one [...]

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Service vs Hospitality

Posted by on September 16, 2011

I love to read books about cooking, cooking schools and restaurants.  Comparing the training and best practices for service in libraries and restaurants can be enlightening. Recently, I read, “Beaten, seared and sauced: on becoming a chef at the Culinary Institute of America” by Jonathan Dixon.  He says, “Service is a transaction, hospitality is an [...]

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Making a bad experience better

Posted by on August 30, 2011

My library is installing a new library computer system (ILS) next year.  Today was our first meeting with our installation manager and the in-house team.  This is exciting and will be both fun and nerve-wracking!  A topic of conversation was how many days we would be down as we transitioned from one system to another.  [...]

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Is your library welcoming?

Posted by on August 12, 2011

Do you visually welcome the public at your library?  As I visit libraries (Yes! I’m one of those library geeks who visit on their vacations!) each one has it’s own feeling.  Some are warm and welcoming and others seem cluttered and confusing or cold and impersonal. Our building was designed by Michael Graves.  If you [...]

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Excess electronics?

Posted by on March 14, 2011

Electronic Recyling Saturday, April 16th Library Parking Lot 2:00-4:00 pm During the Get Your Green on 150 Ways – Green Fair Clean out your closets, basements and storage areas, wherever you keep your surplus or obsolete electronic equipment. Now is the time to get rid of your excess electronics. Just drive up and drop off [...]

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