Presentation given at the ACRL/NY 2009 Symposium. This year's topic was on emerging leadership in academic libraries.

1. 10 Years, 4 Libraries, 2 Office Moves and 1 Staff Retreat Later: A Leader Emerges Mary Carmen Chimato Head, Access & Delivery Services NCSU Libraries Raleigh, NC

2. Once upon a time in a land called Philadelphia….

3. A brand new librarian accepted her first professional position at the small and somewhat forgotten, Florence A. Moore Library of Medicine. (That same day the power went out in the entire building.)

4. Though the library was quiet and use was on the decline, the new librarian was fortunate to have a Fairy Godmother who transformed our Newbie Librarian into a Slightly More Experienced Librarian . (Maybe it didn’t actually happen that way.)

5. Twenty-two months had passed and our Slightly More Experienced Librarian felt that it was time to expand her horizons. With her Fairy Godmother’s blessings, our Librarian accepted the position as Head of Access Services at the Health Sciences Library at Stony Brook University. (On her first day, August 14, the Northeast Blackout of 2003 occurred.)

6. This was a sign of things to come… (Despite all the smiles, I was not the best leader.)

8. But not so great in other areas. (I blame the staff.)

9. Almost 4 years had passed and our Slightly More Experienced Librarian had transformed into a Manager. Recognizing that it was once again time to move on and broaden her horizons, she accepted the position as Head, Access & Delivery Services at the North Carolina State University Libraries. (On her second day, January 3, 2007, Raleigh got it’s first snowfall of the year. With the exception of 3 people, the entire ADS department called out.)

10. In the 3 years she has been at NCSU, our librarian has moved her office twice - once to accommodate ice cream, survived three blackouts, purchased a golf cart, has seen half her department turn over and has handled every possible staffing issue you can imagine. She transformed from a Manager to a Leader. This is the true beginning of the story. (I blame the staff.)

11. Access & Delivery Services Department, NCSU Libraries

13. Basic Responsibility as a Leader: Development of productive, creative, inspired, determined, focused, energized, and well disciplined individuals.

16. A Radical Idea: Talk to your people!!!!!! Organizational Clarity: identifying and agreeing to the fundamental concepts that drive it. ***Providing all employees, at all levels with a common vocabulary and a set of assumptions about what is important and what is not.*** Reinforce this clarity through Human Systems: hiring, performance management, rewards & recognition, employee dismissal. (Staff Retreats are really good ways to do this.)

17. The GREATEST Day of our Librarian’s Professional Career The First Annual ADS Staff Retreat August 5, 2009 What values are fundamental to our department? Why does the library exist and what difference does it make in our world? How/Where does ADS fit? What are our goals for the next year/5 years/10 years? Who has to do what in order for us to meet them? (An unfamiliar, but pleasing and invigorating sense of unity, focus, drive, and purpose was felt by all in the room.)

21. My Staff Taught Me How to be an Effective Leader Putting Work into Context vision, create big picture, set goals, monitor performance. Develop the Follower provide direct/honest feedback, coaching, let them make mistakes. Lead by Example honesty, acknowledging own shortcomings, confidence, commitment. Provide Support available, approachable, encouraging, listens, receptive to ideas, safety net.

22. The Most Important Lesson I Learned: My Attitude is Everything Basic objective of an effective leader is to get the best performance possible out of the people they lead. This requires: A positive attitude Patience A sense of humor Humility Confidence Bravery COMMITMENT Leaders focus on their FOLLOWERS not themselves.

23. Thank You!

24. Contact Me: [email_address] [email_address] AIM/YIM: mcc6676 Gtalk: marychimato Twitter: PigsInSpace circandserve.wordpress.com