Add Jobs, Union to Rockford Public Library Mix

Rockford Public Library faceoff is also about fate of staff. (Rockford Register-Star, 2/8/2012)

Excerpt:   While a librarian’s people skills remain paramount throughout the industry, digital literacy and technology skills are a close second and becoming more important every day. 

“The most important quality they look for in any individual looking at becoming a member of the team is their customer service experience or potential,” said Emily Hartzog, the Rockford library’s community relations officer. “Today, they also look for a level of technological experience, comfort and flexibility. Potential staff members need to have computer skills, be familiar with the use of technology, and comfortable and flexible enough to learn new technology. For staff providing reference support, they need to be familiar with the use of databases, mining and qualifying data online, new and emerging technology for communication and information — social media, e-readers, video production, etc.” 

Despite Novak’s attempts to paint the system’s librarians as trying to hold back progress, it’s not about the jobs, Janssen said.

Related article:
Rockford Register-Star Editorial Board to Library: More public input, please (2/3/2012)
Save Our Rockford Library members pack board meeting.  (1/28/2012)
Save Our Rockford Library (SOL) calls for more public input in library's strategic planning. (1/14/2012) 
Rockford Public Library will boost spending on digital and audio books in 2012. (10/13/2011)
Supportive editorial for Rockford Public Library needs a fact checker. (9/1/2011)
Rockford Public Library circulates 0.05 ebooks per capita in 1st half of 2011. (7/13/2011)

Rockford Public Library Hours Survey a Toss-Up So Far. (11/21/2010)
Branch closures off the table. (10/21/2010)
Library considers a Branch Anywhere future.  (9/14/2010)
Library patrons deal with a new reality.  (3/23/2010)
Reductions in staff, cuts in hours leads to adjustments all around. (2/2/2010)

Rockford Public Library staggers into 2010. (1/8/2010)]

Rockford library board OKs union contract. (11/17/2009)

Advocating for the Rockford Public Library. (11/12/2009)

Rockford Public Library's projected $1.7 million deficit. (11/3/2009)

Rockford Public Library: "Library cuts coming". (9/15/2009)

Rockford library board delays action on shortfall. (7/21/2009)