Spring 2001Page 4

Rod Favors Collaborative Management

Although Rod Wagner has been with the Nebraska Library Commission since the 1970s, this is the first time he has been interviewed for this NCompass feature. Last week he took some time out to answer a few questions about his career, his management philosophy, and his expectations for the future of Nebraska public libraries.

How would you describe your management style or philosophy?
I would say collegial, but others might dispute that. We rely on the collegial relationships of staff to work together to develop and carry out plans and projects. We emphasize opportunities for staff to assume responsibility and to have the freedom to do work in their best way.

Has your perspective about management changed over the years?
I think it's changed, and I hope it has changed in relationship to other organizations and agencies so everyone is working together toward common goals...goals that are determined in our conversations and interactions with people throughout the state. People have different styles and different needs and preferences when it comes to communication. I think the team approach allows for more and better participation.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Nebraska libraries now?
First, working with libraries to help them acquire technology to make available to the public. Providing effective training for library personnel-not only for using technology, but to provide the traditional kinds of services that we expect of libraries. We also face challenges in recruiting and retaining library personnel-especially in light of low salaries. At the Commission we are continuing to work toward reaching all the people of Nebraska. All libraries have needs that aren't met, but one area of success is the consortia licensing of online databases. This has been a big benefit to many libraries in Nebraska, large and small. New technologies have helped all libraries but have been especially important in our many rural communities. Public libraries are the most commonly used place (outside the home or office) for accessing the Internet. Many libraries need additional or upgraded computers and equipment. Helping libraries do those things that they do well and to effectively use new technologies as they emerge is an ongoing challenge.

Annette Has Extensive Volunteer Background

Annette Hall refers to her position as Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Nebraska Library Commission as "my first real job." She has many years of experience working with volunteers and working as a volunteer. Prior to coming to the Commission, Annette was a three-term VISTA volunteer who led 4-H cooperative extension programs. She also conducted training for SERIES, a science curriculum that stresses service learning. Service learning is a way of "taking what you have learned and applying it in the community," she said. "It involves cross-age teaching...such as high school students working with elementary students, junior high students

working with kindergarten students, and even high school students taking their science exhibits to nursing homes."

The impetus for much of her volunteer work comes from home. As a parent of a child with multiple handicaps, Annette has developed an extensive background in various volunteer and advocacy efforts serving handicapped children and their families. She has been a Pilot Parent through the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), giving advice and support to new parents of handicapped children. She has also worked in the Lincoln Public Schools Homebound Program, assisting families with handicapped infants and toddlers from birth to three years of age.

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