The way forward. And the way backward.
In library land (as well as many other lands, most likely) we tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the one big thing that will blow things wide open. We'll make that perfect presentation to just the right person and adequate library funding will be secured indefinitely. We'll roll out the perfect service or resource and the City Council and Mayor will be lining up outside our doors to offer us additional revenue.
And when we aren't thinking these grand thoughts, we're thinking just the opposite: the sky is going to fall. The apocalypse is nigh. We're cutting the budget to the point where we just won't be a viable organization. We're underfunded. We're overworked. We aren't appreciated.
But here's the thing: neither of those two scenarios are likely. Instead, it is one small step at a time. If we satisfy one library member with one interaction then we are one step closer to remaining and/or becoming a valued asset in our community. If we disappoint... well, we then lose one potential voice of support. These things come in baby steps. It's a creeping thing.
While a gradual creep (name for my next band: The Gradual Creeps) isn't nearly as dramatic as a big bang, it is somewhat comforting that the solution ultimately lies in small actions rather than some large, nebulous ideal.
Thanks to Seth Godin for the spark for these thoughts:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/11/preparing-for-the-breakthroughcalamity.html
And when we aren't thinking these grand thoughts, we're thinking just the opposite: the sky is going to fall. The apocalypse is nigh. We're cutting the budget to the point where we just won't be a viable organization. We're underfunded. We're overworked. We aren't appreciated.
But here's the thing: neither of those two scenarios are likely. Instead, it is one small step at a time. If we satisfy one library member with one interaction then we are one step closer to remaining and/or becoming a valued asset in our community. If we disappoint... well, we then lose one potential voice of support. These things come in baby steps. It's a creeping thing.
While a gradual creep (name for my next band: The Gradual Creeps) isn't nearly as dramatic as a big bang, it is somewhat comforting that the solution ultimately lies in small actions rather than some large, nebulous ideal.
Thanks to Seth Godin for the spark for these thoughts:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/11/preparing-for-the-breakthroughcalamity.html
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