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.

Discussion

The Montana State Library’s Roadmap to Library Excellence is a voluntary tool designed to help libraries go beyond the baseline standards and strive for continuous improvement. Use the questions below to spark meaningful conversations with your team, board, or community.

🧭 General Overview

Discussion Question:

• How can the Roadmap to Excellence framework be adapted to reflect the unique strengths and limitations of your library?

📌 Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Structured Staff Development (Great Falls Public Library)

Discussion Question:

• What are the benefits and challenges of implementing standardized onboarding and training modules in your library, and how might you tailor them to your team?

2. Empowerment & Recognition (Conrad Public Library)

Discussion Question:

• How can small libraries foster a culture of professional growth and recognition without overwhelming limited staff and resources?

3. Role Clarity & Advancement (Red Lodge Carnegie Library)

Discussion Question:

• In what ways can tiered job descriptions and promotion pathways improve staff retention and motivation in your library?

4. Customer Service as a Core Value

Discussion Question:

• What does “excellent customer service” look like in your library, and how can you ensure all staff are trained to deliver it consistently?

5. Training Accessibility

Discussion Question:

• How can libraries ensure access to training opportunities for part-time or low-hour staff?

6. Board Engagement & Support

Discussion Question:

• What strategies can you use to help your library board understand and support staff development initiatives?

7. Celebrating Achievements

Discussion Question:

• How can public recognition of staff accomplishments (like certification) enhance morale and community perception of your library?

8. Flexible Implementation Based on Library Size

Discussion Question:

• How can libraries of different sizes creatively adapt staff development practices to fit their specific staffing and budget realities?

Discussion questions generated from the webinar transcript using Microsoft Copilot.

Next, watch the Recording.

Recording

(54:04)

MSL Resources and Consulting

You can learn more about the Elective Roadmap to Library Excellence in a variety of ways.

• Access the Roadmap
• Take the Public Library Standards course
• Review the MSL Personnel Support webpage

How to Use the Roadmap

• Choose one or more outcome areas to focus on.
• Select specific goals or create your own.
• Set measurable objectives and track progress.
• Libraries can report their efforts optionally on the Public Library Standards form.

Move on to What's Next?