Saying Thank You

Two faculty here at Roberts spent much time with library staff to help us work through a time of strategic planning, to think about what sort of library we want to be and to identify how to become that kind of library. It only makes sense for us to grown into our lovely new building and become the library of the administration's dreams!

Our conversations were well guided, keeping us on task and not letting us be sidetracked. Our statements were challenged by people who have little vested interest in political machinations or social agendas. If this, then that? Skip this, then what? Every session brought new ideas, new concerns, new avenues of investigation.

They kept coming back until we had worked through the blue sky thinking and the practical planning and could flesh out in ink the exact measurable goals we needed to accomplish in order to become the library of everyone's dreams. Then they left us with an open invitation of help if we needed them. No one paid them for their consultation, their preparation, their time. They love doing this and have a real heart for the organization.

How do you thank someone like that? It's not easy. We planned a little social event in the Fireside Reading Room to break bread - or rather coffee cake - and sip coffee and let them know how much we appreciate their help. A small gift certificate, and some shared reflection, a moment in time to stop what we are doing (working on those goals!) and appreciate their gift of time and expertise so freely given.

Our conversation was that of close friends who reflect on times past with fondness and await a good future together. It was a knitting of our separate "silos" in ways that will fuse many areas of our interactions into a delightful and strong fabric. This is part of what makes working here so special. What a relief to be on a team that is working for the same good goals, upholding high standards, and encouraging one another to keep up the good work. They fully acknowledge the issues honestly but without losing that positive approach.

It makes me want to work even harder to "get there." And looking at our current efforts and summer projects, I have every faith that we will!