It's Academic

As I write this, I am observing an amazing sunset from my second-story living room window and taking in the beauty of the transformation from summer to autumn. As someone who adores pumpkin pie, hot cocoa, Thursday night football, and cooler weather, it should come as no surprise that I enjoy this time of year and the fresh start to the academic year that comes along with it. School is now in session and students and faculty have returned. Since this is my first time experiencing the start to the academic school year at my current job at Lehigh Carbon Community College, I am excited to assist with assignments and to answer the general directional inquiry.

Additionally, the voting came to an end on August 10th for various positions throughout the round tables of the Pennsylvania Library Association. I am so excited to report that starting on January 1, 2020, I will be starting my role as Vice-Chair to the Technical Services Round Table of the PaLA. After a year, I will then segue into the position of Chair. This two-year position and commitment have me looking forward to the challenges that it will bring, but I am eager to learn more about my profession and hope that it gives my career a boost. If time and money are in agreement with me (as is usually not the case, much to my chagrin), I intend on attending several conferences throughout Pennsylvania during my two-year stint, including the Leadership Orientation conference held this year on December 9th and 10th. (To my knowledge, I am not informed of the location of this particular conference – does anyone know?) Here’s to a productive and fulfilling 2019-2020 academic year and perhaps meeting one or two of you at a future PaLA conference!

Taking shorter breaks throughout your day is good for your health! Aim for 5-15 minutes a day away from your desk each day. It allows your body to move out of a stationary position which is rough on your body, especially your back and neck. 

Ideas for your shorter breaks:

• Meditate
• Take a walk
• Office yoga
• Get some much needed water to stay hydrated
• Deliver a package to another office 

The most important break of the day is your lunch break! Make your lunch break a priority in your day as you would a meeting. A car cannot run on empty, why should you?

Ideas for your lunch breaks:

• Place your lunch breaks on your calendar for the remainder of the year
• Set a reminder on your task-list on your phone! You’ll need to check off your lunch break each day.
• Plan to have lunch with a co-worker or colleague
• Have lunch away from your desk in order to not be tempted into working
• After eating, take a walk if you find you have time remaining prior to getting back to work

Remember, you are not a workhorse! Take breaks as frequently as needed to restore yourself for the work ahead. Don’t think about it, just do it.

Enjoy your breaks!

One of my titles is Outreach Coordinator, and this week, I am definitely feeling it. Classes begin on Monday and I’ve just finished my sixth outreach event of the week — move in day for the new freshmen.

Outreach can definitely be a lot of work, but to me, it’s worth it to make a connection, especially with those new to campus, who may feel lost or confused. The personal touch we provide can make a huge difference to someone trying to navigate a completely new — and often pretty complicated — environment. Here are some tips for making an impact while saving your sanity.

Preparation

Take some time at the end of each semester and right after each orientation period to update your materials and take stock of what you have on hand. Update PowerPoints, handouts, and order new materials if needed. Create a checklist of regular orientation events and set calendar reminders to reach out to coordinators about their events and any due dates for materials. Add those to your calendar too.

Delegate

Even though I’m often the face of outreach at my library, I can’t and shouldn’t do it all. Outreach to specific programs in another colleague’s liaison area should be their domain. Create a shared document where everyone can record their outreach events. It’s easier to manage outreach when many people contribute, and your colleagues can improve connections with their constituents. At the end of the year, that shared document can help you generate an outreach report, and keep track of all the events you may not be aware of. It’s also helpful if there is turnover — you can help new employees keep track of the events they should take responsibility for.

Usability

Make sure any handouts you share are USABLE for the audience that will receive them. While it may be tempting to create one resource for simplicity, different audiences have very different needs. The most important things about the library for a part-time adjunct professor will be very different than the most important things about the library for a full-time undergraduate student who lives on campus. Think about your audience when you create each document and limit the information to what will be essential for them to know right away.

Rest

If you have to work extra or extended hours to cover outreach events, try to work with your supervisor for flextime to get a break! Outreach can be very taxing, and to best serve your campus, you need time to relax and recharge.

Happy new semester!