View and Reflect

Webinar Overview

The Roadmap has seven outcome topics:
1.    Staff Development
2.    Board Development
3.    Access to Library Materials
4.    Programming
5.    Community Awareness
6.    Library Structure & Funding
7.    Planning & Evaluation

Each topic can be viewed in two formats:

• Cairn View: Visual, thematic layout for storytelling and inspiration.
• Table View: Structured format for tracking and planning.

📌 Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Great Falls Public Library (Susie McIntyre)

• Structured Staff Development:
• Created management team expectations through collaborative discussions.
• Developed a comprehensive onboarding checklist and required training modules for all staff.
• Training Modules Include:
• Patron behavior
• Safe internet practices
• Intellectual freedom
• Customer service
• Engagement Strategies:
• Staff scavenger hunts to encourage team bonding.
• Quizzes to ensure comprehension of training materials.
• Documentation:
• Clear memos on policies (e.g., dress code, emergency procedures).
• Shared drives for easy access to training materials.

2. Conrad Public Library (Tiffany Christensen)

• Small Library, Big Impact:
• Focused on Montana State Library certification for all staff.
• Encouraged staff to pursue personal interests in CE (continuing education).
• Empowerment & Recognition:
• Staff share training takeaways with the team.
• Certifications are celebrated publicly (e.g., framed certificates, board recognition).
• Team Support:
• Staff cover for each other to allow time for training.
• Emphasis on quality service and community perception of professionalism.

3. Red Lodge Carnegie Library (Jodie Moore)

• Growth Over Time:
• Increased staffing from 1.5 to over 2 FTEs.
• Emphasized education and experience as key to staff development.
• Role Clarity & Advancement:
• Developed tiered job descriptions with promotion paths tied to certification.
• Staff are paid for training time and expenses are covered.
• Customer Service Focus:
• Small libraries excel in personalized service and community connection.
• Advocated for training accessibility and realistic expectations based on staffing and budget.

Key Themes and Takeaways generated from the webinar transcript using Microsoft Copilot.