Blogs
Following blogs can be a fun and easy way of keeping up to date on new developments and of learning from the experiences of other professionals in the fields of librarianship and leadership training. Some popular blogs are listed below. While in no way exhaustive, this list is intended as a starting point. If you see one which speaks to your interests, see if it includes links to other blogs on a similar topic.
The Library Routes Project -- http://libraryroutesproject.wikkii.com/wiki/Main_Page
A collection of blog entries in which librarians talk about their career path and how they got into the library profession in the first place. The introduction states that the blog entries are intended, in part, to provide "... much needed information and context for those just entering the profession or wishing to do so."
Library Day in the Life Project -- http://librarydayinthelife.pbworks.com/w/page/16941198/FrontPage
This site collects hundreds of blogs posted during the semi-annual “Library Day in the Life Project”between 2008 and 2012. In each post, librarians and library students discuss a day in their professional lives. The introduction notes that “not only is this a great way for us to see what our colleagues are doing and how they spend their days but it’s a great way for students who are interested in the library profession to see what we really do.”
Ted Talks -- www.ted.com
The TED website contains hundreds of 20 minute online lectures / webinars focused on all aspects of leadership. Examples include “Derek Sivers: How to start a movement”-- how the first follower is actually an underestimated form of leadership,“Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree” and “Susan Cain: The power of introverts”.
Stephen's Lighthouse -- http://stephenslighthouse.com/2013/03/29/the-4-practices-of-emotional-control/
Blog maintained by library consultant and prognosticator Stephen Abram. Includes many posts speculating on where librarianship is heading in the 21st century, as well as some offering tips on how to hone your skills. Example posts include "The 4 practices of emotional control" and "17 categories of academic library where most have growing circulation".
21st Century Library -- http://21stcenturylibrary.com/
Blog maintained by Dr. Steve Matthews to offer “… a collaborative forum for the library community, and anyone else interested in the subject of creating 21st Century libraries and librarianship.” Major topics include 21st century librarianship skills, and emerging trends in library leadership and library technology.
The Unquiet Librarian -- http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Blog by Buffy Hamilton, a young Learning Strategist for the Cleveland Public Library. Blog focuses on integrating technology to enhance participatory librarianship and lifelong learning.
Ken Haycock & Associates -- http://kenhaycock.com/blog/
Ken Haycock & Associates is a private consulting company offering not-for-profit libraries (paid) advice on leadership
development, organizational development and executive search. This free blog includes commentary on current trends in library leadership, including tips.
development, organizational development and executive search. This free blog includes commentary on current trends in library leadership, including tips.
In the Library with a Lead Pipe -- www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org
A “peer-reviewed” blog maintained by and for librarians of all types, this site includes articles aimed at helping “to improve our communities, our libraries, and our professional organizations.” Example articles include “Zen and the Art of Constructive Criticism” and “Leading with Heart”.
We Are Librarians -- http://www.wearelibrarians.com/
Blog in which librarians discuss the roles they play outside of traditional libraries and archives. Includes entries such
as “Job Hunting for Today’s Libraries in Today’s Job Market” and “Non-Librarian Librarians”.
as “Job Hunting for Today’s Libraries in Today’s Job Market” and “Non-Librarian Librarians”.
Harvard Business Review Blog Network -- http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/03/how_criticizing_in_private_und.html
A blog feed hosted by the Harvard Business Review touching on all aspects of business, including leadership and teamwork. Examples include "Great Leaders Use Honesty to Help Their Successors" and "How Criticizing in Private Undermines Your Team." Blog posts are written by Harvard faculty as well as leading guest contributors.
Teamwork and Leadership -- http://www.teamworkandleadership.com/
A well-followed commercial blog maintained by a professional leadership consultant, this site nonetheless contains dozens of interesting posts offering tips on improving teamwork effectiveness.
Power Networking for Introverts -- http://www.introvertscannetwork.com/
Described as a "blog by an introvert for introverts", this site contains numerous posts offering tips to help introverts deal with networking.
The Wikiman -- http://thewikiman.org/blog/
Blog maintained by Ned Potter, a librarian with the University of York [U.K.] Library and an expert on library marketing. Topics are wide-ranging, but with a focus on issues facing new professionals issues, social media, and guides to online platforms.