RA FOR ALL...THE ROAD SHOW!

I can come to your library, book club meeting, or conference to talk about how to help your readers find their next good read. Click here for more information including RA for All's EDI Statement.

Monday, October 14, 2019

RA for All Roadshow Visits Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

I know many of you are off today. How do I know? Because I am never off on the second Monday in October [an American Federal holiday], as it is the most common Staff Day for public libraries.

Today I am at a casino in North Las Vegas for the annual Las Vegas-Clark County Library District's Staff Development Day. No, that was not an attempt at a bad joke, they actually do have their staff day at a casino. Contrary to popular belief, most of LVCC's patrons and staff don't live under the flashing lights of the strip. It is a large county serving 1.6 million people spread out over 8,000 square miles, an area larger than the state of CT!

In order to get staff, spread out at branches across that expanse, together once a year, they need a central location that can fit everyone. Hence, we are at a casino. It's brilliant really. And there is a hotel so some staff are staying overnight.

This will be one of my more memorable staff day appearances for sure. Too bad it is October and my schedule did not allow for me to stay a bit longer than the 23 hrs I will be in town.
Before we get to their schedule of 2 breakout sessions with me, this is your friendly reminder that if you would like me at your 2020 October staff day, you need to contact me soon. It will be scooped up before the end of the year.
Here are the links for today, accessible to those who are in attendance or anywhere.
 RA for All: Readers Advisory belongs in every library, no matter its budget. The implementation of this vital service is the responsibility of every staff member-- from pages to directors, from those behind the scenes to the ones on the front lines. This program will remove the mystery behind providing great RA service. Using her “Ten Rules of Basic RA Service” as a guide, Becky Spratford will use your own love of your favorite books to show you how to help any patron find their next great read. It's not as hard as you think. But more importantly, you will learn why a staff that can harness the power of sharing a great read will become a stronger team and improve service to all patrons. [60 Mins]

Booktalking Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town: Booktalking is at the heart of what we do with patrons each and every day at the public library. Whether we are sharing books informally at the services desk, presenting a prepared list of books, or posting information online, talking about books is something we do each and every day. It is a core service, but it is also hard to teach. Booktalking is more of an art than a skill, but with the right guidance and some practice, it can go a long way toward engaging your patrons and re-energizing your staff. Join experienced Readers’ Advisory Becky Spratford as she shares the secret behind delivering great book talks, giving you tips and tricks you can begin using right away to hone your own skills. Rediscover the power and joy that comes from sharing books with patrons. [60 Mins]

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