Marian the Librarian (#26)

Do you have a question for Marian? 
Send it to the editor, Deanna Briggs, dbriggs@copyright.com to forward to Marian.

Dear Marian,

I direct a small academic library on the campus of one of our area's small colleges. Because things slow down for us significantly during the summer, we're all pitching in to finish some major projects related to inventory and our card catalog. Because of my staff's dedication, they've all decided to volunteer extra hours, if necessary, and not take vacation from mid-July until our school year starts in late August. I'm just thrilled that they're willing to go the extra mile to take care of these projects. I want to reward them somehow, but I can't really think of how to do it within the bounds of the limited budget. Can you make some suggestions?

A Grateful Manager

Dear A Grateful Manager:

Rewarding employees who go the extra mile is a fabulous way to say "Thank you!," show your appreciation, and keep their morale up. Hooray for you for taking the initiative to do that. Many managers don't.

One way to thank them for their time that may not be particularly expensive for your institution is to give them some comp time. Would it be possible to give them all an extra day or two of vacation or some amount of time comparable to the effort they put in on the project?

To encourage time with family or friends or doing some leisure activities they might have given up in order to work on the project, what about gift certificates to restaurants, movie passes, or tickets to a local attraction or sporting event?

For zany gifts and the action figure librarian, there's Archie McPhee (http://www.mcphee.com/ ). Teasecatalog.com specializes in goodies for book lovers and librarians. (Please note that their "We killed Marian" slogan refers to the movement to eliminate the stereotype, not to getting rid of me.) Stop Falling Productions (http://www.stopfalling.com/) offers many reading-themed wares. Cafe Press' (http://www.cafepress.com/) offerings include some relevant to librarians. Highsmith (http://www.highsmith.com/), which specializes in library supplies, also has items that might be appropriate as gifts for staff. The Special Libraries Association, of course, and other associations have products good for gifts, as well. You could also do something a little more nontraditional that could benefit the organization, too, like giving them some money or release time good for their professional development.

Best wishes,
Marian

Dear Marian,

Of late, I've found myself in an awkward situation at work. After a meeting a few weeks ago, my manager pulled me aside and told me he didn't think my sense of humor and personality were good fits for our library. Then, he simply walked away. I've worked here for seven years and can't figure out why he's telling me now. I can't think of anything specific that I did to bring that on. I believe my behavior has always been appropriate for our work environment and very professional in front of our customers. I can't decide if I should ignore what he said and continue going about my daily business or if I should start looking for a new job. One thing's for sure, though: I'm not as comfortable around him as I used to be. I feel like I'm waiting for him to pounce on me again.

Not a Good Fit?

Dear Not a Good Fit?:

Your situation does sound quite uncomfortable. On some level, it almost sounds like your manager's behavior was not appropriate for work. It sounds like he brought to your attention a matter on his mind, but he did it in a way that's not constructive to you at all. Have you tried having a follow-up conversation with him? While that might be a very uncomfortable approach, it might be something worth trying in order to figure out what's on his mind and what is behind his action.

You might also consider talking to some of your coworkers. It's possible someone on the staff might have an idea about what happened and what's bothering him. It also might be interesting to find out if he's told other staff members similar things in a similar fashion. Then you know you aren't the only one.

I think you might feel better once you have more information.

About looking for another job: unless your manager says more to you about the situation or things get so uncomfortable you dread going to work, you might be fine staying where you are. To me, it doesn't sound like he has given you any reason to leave immediately.

Good luck,
Marian

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