My week at PLMI

I have really struggled with how to put into words my week with the PLMI crew. I had a roller coaster of emotions all week. I went from a little scared because I was meeting new people and believe or not I can be a little bashful until I get comfortable. There was also stress because I wondered if I could handle all of the information I was given everyday. All of the information was useful to me but I still felt overwhelmed at times. Being away from my family was also a big deal for me because I have never been away that long. So I guess you can throw in homesickness too. Looking back I now realize how much I did learn. I am so excited to bring that information back to my library and get to work. It renewed in me my love for my job and my library! It was a humbling experience to really look at myself and my job performance as a branch manager. I know I have some work to do. Lastly I must say that the most exciting part of the week was meeting and getting to know Heather, Laura and my classmates! I felt like we really came together as a team. I am already excited about seeing everyone again! I really look forward to working with everyone for the next three years.

Day 4 PLMI

I have learned, through exercises and class time that there is a vast difference between being a leader and being a manger. Through working with my team and observing other teams I have seen examples of this. I have also seen how truly important it is to have a plan of action. You must have a specific plan in order to reach your goal. The key to any plan going smoothly is communication. In all aspects of the library and in life over all, there must be communication, communication, communication!!

Day 3

Today was a good day! Learning and understanding the qualities of a good leader is essential for my job in the library. I was surprised by the qualities of a servant leader. A servant leader understands, listens, nurtures, defends and builds trust with others. I was touched by the importance of the heart in a servant leadership role. The biggest role of a librarian is to serve the people in thier communities. I am inspired to continue to serve in this capacity in my library and make improvements where I feel I am not living up to the servant leadership qualities.

Interview

I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to interview my new friend Amanda. It was refreshing to meet someone with many of the same values I hold dear, including our sharing the occupation of librarian.Upon interviewing Amanda, I learned that she is happily married. She has two children, a girl and a boy. She is excited and very involved with her grandson who is five years old. Also, Amanda and her family are awaiting a second grandchild which is due to be born at Christmas this year. To get to know her better, I asked her a series of questions. Her answers revealed, that she has confidence in her cooking abilities. Some of her wishes are to refrain from being in high places, the hope of finding a cure for cancer and avoiding the rush of holiday shopping, especially on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Coincidentally, the answers she gave to a question concerning what three items she would save from destruction, were similar to mine as well. We both treasure our family pictures, our purses and our personal jewelry collection. Without a doubt, Amanda loves working in the library and spending time with her family. This was obvious to me, in the short time we spent together.

Day 2

I am.... Melissa Montgomery, an encourager, who is willing to listen and find amusement in the most difficult situations. I care about people and am not afraid to work toward common goals in any task. To improve the professional image of myself I have to have a better attitude about my library. It is such a beautiful place and I am focusing too much on all that is needed instead of all the positives that are already there. I also want to make the building more appealing to the community and help them to understand all that the library offers. Today, I was reminded that I represent the library, when I am in the building, but also in the community.

PLMI Day One

I am so excited to be a part of PLMI and get the opportunity to connect with other librarians from across the state. The conferences today were very informative and helpful. This is my first time visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park. I wonder if any of my classmates who have visited the park before, could offer me advice for a return trip with my family?