The Collective at Sea 2024

Be proactive, not reactive. The Ramapo Catskill Library System is breaking the status quo and moving the organization and member libraries forward by creating personnel positions that offer consultations, marketing, and hot-topic initiatives to support libraries, legislators, and communities. The creation of these positions has allowed libraries the opportunity to have localized support when going out for budget votes, PR/marketing campaigns, sustainability initiatives, public book/program challenges, and more. Through transparent discussions with board members, the Executive Director has done the unthinkable in today's climate, added three full-time positions to the organization that have not been traditional departments in library systems. But they are not done yet! In this session, the Executive Director and two personnel from the new departments will provide the road map regarding how these positions were created, why there is a need for them, the success they have garnered, and what's next in the way of continuing to further the profession and library community through the Ramapo Catskill Library System. This session will also provide an opportunity for attendees to have deeper discussions with the panel regarding the future of libraries and how they may position their own organizations to be in a healthy relationship with their boards and communities.