By Craig Scott, Director of Gadsden Public Library
Over my years as Director of the Gadsden Public Library, I’ve learned something that has become increasingly important to me: some of the best ideas for improving our library don’t necessarily begin in Gadsden.
Sometimes they come from having a conversation with another library director, visiting an innovative library or simply learning how another community has approached a challenge similar to one we’re facing here at home.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve always placed such a high value on professional development, collaboration and the relationships I’ve built with colleagues throughout Alabama and across the country.
As this week’s edition of The Messenger reaches your doorstep, I’m in Winter Park, Florida, attending the annual Library Journal Directors’ Summit, a national gathering limited to 100 public library directors from around the country.
Two years ago, I had the privilege of attending this same summit in Columbia, South Carolina. Looking back on my many years in library leadership, I can say without hesitation that it was one of the most valuable professional conferences I’ve ever attended.
And interestingly enough, it wasn’t necessarily the presentations or the formal sessions that made the greatest impression on me.
It was the people.
I met directors representing libraries of all sizes, from small communities to major metropolitan systems. Each brought different experiences, different challenges and different ideas to the table. Yet despite the differences in our libraries, I discovered that we shared many of the same concerns: how to better serve our communities, stretch limited resources, support our employees, embrace new technologies and keep our libraries relevant in a constantly changing world.
Some of those conversations turned into professional friendships that continue today. More than once, I’ve reached out to one of those colleagues for advice, an opinion, or simply to ask, “How did you handle this at your library?”
And just as often, I’ve had the opportunity to share something we’re doing right here in Gadsden that might benefit another community.
That’s what makes these relationships so valuable. Learning isn’t a one-way street.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that one of the most important qualities a library director can possess is the willingness to recognize that none of us has all the answers.
It doesn’t matter how many years we’ve spent in this profession. There’s always something new to learn, a better way to approach a problem or an idea worth bringing home.
I’ve also learned that some of the most innovative ideas don’t necessarily come from the largest libraries with the biggest budgets. Sometimes they come from smaller libraries where creativity, determination and resourcefulness have become necessities.
And that’s something I can certainly appreciate as Director of the Gadsden Public Library!
This year’s summit comes at an especially meaningful time for us. As many of you know, our library continues working through the aftermath of the devastating flood that struck our building on August 31.
While we await the insurance settlement that will allow major restoration work to begin, we’re also thinking about the future. We’re looking not only at how to restore our library, but how we can continue improving the services, programs and experiences we provide to our community.
I’m hopeful that the conversations and connections made in Winter Park will provide fresh ideas and valuable perspectives as we move forward.
After all, the Gadsden Public Library doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We’re part of a much larger community of libraries across America, all working toward a common purpose: enriching lives through access to information, education, opportunity and discovery.
And while our communities may be separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles, the lessons we learn from one another can make a real difference right here at home.
As I often remind myself, leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about being willing to listen, continuing to learn, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to become better.
That’s what I hope to bring home from Winter Park.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest value of attending a conference isn’t what you learn while you’re there. It’s what you bring back and put to work for the people you serve.
And for me, those people will always be the wonderful community we serve here in Gadsden and Etowah County.
- Gadsden Public Library: 254 South College Street, downtown Gadsden (next to the U.S. Post Office). Phone: 256-549-4699
- Genealogy Branch: 2700 West Meighan Boulevard, Alabama City (next to the Ritz Theater at the corner of West Meighan and Wall Street). Phone: 256-549-4688
