RLI 286  15 RESEARCH LIBRARY ISSUES: A REPORT FROM ARL, CNI, AND SPARC 2015 styles. Suggestions for events are solicited from the staff. The events have a foundation within a diverse set of experiences of existing staff as well as expertise brought in from outside the libraries. Periodic Town Hall Meetings Another strategic action developed from the ClimateQUAL and focus group results directly impacted communication and how to approach sharing information with the entire staff. Traditional communication with the entire staff took place twice a year in an All Personnel Meeting presentation format. Administrators, department heads, and anyone else needing to report information were invited to present at this meeting. From the focus group feedback, this was determined to be seen as one-way communication only and not effective in providing a venue to have a discussion and explain details or reasoning behind programs, actions, or decisions. The University Libraries has now adopted a town-hall style meeting format so that discussion can occur and everyone is invited to speak up to ask questions, seek clarification, or present an opposing viewpoint. Topics and agendas are sent out in advance so that staff have a chance to prepare and meetings are held more frequently so that each single meeting is not overly stuffed with information that becomes rushed or pushed. More Visible Appreciation and Recognition The University Libraries has also put more appreciation gestures into play so that staff members see examples of appreciation more frequently. This includes lower-cost events, such as a cupcake truck that comes to the building and allows everyone to select a cupcake of their choice more communication with all staff regarding individual accomplishments and a higher level of recognition for special assignments, committees, task force completions, or team accomplishments to validate that the work performed was appreciated. Enhanced Information Sharing across All Staff Levels Another strategy has been to provide more opportunities for information sharing across non-exempt and exempt staff activities. This includes activities such as sharing presentations, collaborating on projects and information sessions that further explain the role of both professional activities and paraprofessional activities. Regarding communication, in particular communication from the Administrative Advisory Group, several elements from the focus group feedback were identified for coaching performance. These are ongoing discussions in which members of the AAG are encouraged to share best practices regarding their technique and style. Examples are: More specific information from town-hall meeting to be presented into department meetings Managers/supervisors need to be more visible throughout the day to all employees Staff members should be engaged by managers/supervisors as to their daily work activities to demonstrate that they are valued Department heads should work with employees on scheduling flexibility as needed or requested
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