North Carolina Library Association/ Public Library Section/ 2011 Report
Submitted by Pam Jaskot/Chair
The Mission of the Public Library Section of NCLA is:
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To unite NCLA members interested in Public Libraries
To provide an opportunity for discussion and activity
To seek to fulfill the objectives of NCLA
The goals of the Public Library Section of NCLA are:
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Fund and present programs of interest to public librarians at conferences and workshops
Support projects of value to all North Carolina libraries
Give awards to public librarians for outstanding service
2012 Public Library Section Officers
Chair: Pam Jaskot, State Library of North Carolina
Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: Billy King, Forsyth County Public Library
Secretary: Arthur Erickson, Greensboro Public Library
Director: David Singleton, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Director: Chuck Ebert, Durham County Library
Past Chair: MJ Wilkerson, Alamance County Public Library
Committee Members: Deborah Wadleigh, Onslow County Public Library: Decca Slaughter, Forsyth
County Public Library; Jane McAllister, Davie County Public Library; Joan Sherif Northwest Regional
Library; JR Rogers, Wake County Library; Laura Weigand, Forsyth County Public Library; Martha Sink,
Alamance County Public Library, Terri Luke, Wake County Library.
Public Library Section – 2011 – A Summary
The past year was productive and busy for the Public Library Section. Several new committee chairs
were assigned, new members added and an extensive array of programs completed. Most of our
energy focused on the Fabulous Fridays mini conference and preparation for the NCLA Conference. It
was a true team effort!
Fabulous Fridays was a one day min-conference with workshops on reader’s advisory, teen services,
circulation issues, publicity, people skills, security, new technologies and volunteers. Conference participants
attended an opening session and then chose from three different mini-sessions. The targeted audience was
public library staff. The mini conferences were held at Asheville Public Library, Forsyth County Public Library and
New Hanover County Library.
Public Library Section 2011 Report
Our keynote speakers were Jane Bozarth, trainer and coach, and Karen Thornburg, from Thornburg Consulting.
Bozarth was an energetic keynote and provided an inspiring and entertaining presentation entitled “Enjoy your
live, enjoy your job!” Thornburg inspired us to “light our fire”, creating positive life experiences.
For the mini-sessions we utilized the talented library staff throughout our state. Many committee members
presented sessions, along with library staff from various public libraries. Such talent and expertise! This format
worked very well – individuals were able to choose sessions most appropriate for their needs and also had time
to network with other participants. We succeeded in our goal of recruiting frontline library staff. Several
participants stated they had never been to a workshop before! The completed evaluations were all very
positive.
“I can’t wait until I get back to my library to try some of the techniques mentioned in the marketing workshop.”
“This is the first workshop I have ever attended – it was fabulous, thank you for offering such a variety.”
“I never knew there was so much information out there about reader’s advisory services, thanks.”
Attendance for all three workshops was at capacity, a total of 155 participated. Library staff from all parts of the
state participated. Costs for the mini-conference was kept at a minimal, most presenters volunteered their time
and expertise.
At the NCLA Conference PLS had a very strong presence. The chart below lists programs sponsored by PLS
section. Program attendance averaged around 40 for each session and feedback was very positive. This year we
tried a new approach. Instead of hosting an author luncheon we had a wine and cheese reception with author
Celia Rivenbark. It was fabulous, well attended and very entertaining.
Work Smart: Saving Time, Reducing Cost, and Improving Customer Service in Challenging
Times
Managing the eBook & Digital Media Explosion in Public Libraries
Teen Jam: Young Adult Programming Panel Discussion
Go Ask Jennifer: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Romance Novels But Were
Afraid to Ask
Researching Civil War Ancestors
Step Away from the Desk: Circulation Issues in Today’s Library Environment
Making the Customer the Focus of the Library Through Design
Wine and Cheese Reception with Author Celia Rivernbark
Zero Budget Marketing & Merchandising for Your Library
Reaching Special Needs Children in the Public Library
The Voice Behind the Story: Meet a Recorded Books narrator and discover how they
give a voice to a story.
In addition to the programs we also hosted a Public Library section table outside the exhibit area. Information
about PLS events, NCLA membership and volunteer opportunities were highlighted. Conference attendees also
had an opportunity to enter a raffle for a gift basket.
Our first Public Library Section meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2012. At this meeting we will
review the year’s goals and set direction for the upcoming year.
Public Library Section 2011 Report