Author: yestoknow

I'm Tony Tallent and I am the Chief Program and Innovation Officer for Richland Library. I like to talk about writing, libraries, arts and communities. Contact me if you'd like to do that, too.

Hatzoff! Award–It’s Official! My hat’s off to Warren Truitt ( and then you and you…)

There are so many people out there in the big, wide world doing incredible work, people like Warren Truitt at New York Public Library (and creator of the rockinest Cool Kids Music blog around) . What is even more awe-inspiring is that so many of these folks–like Warren–are simply doing what comes naturally to them with results that are nothing short of remarkable. They’re moving with the intuition, truth and daring actions that are trying to move through them with the work they do…and because of it lives are made better, kids are enchanted, communities are brightened and the world is a kinder, smarter place to live.
So often we never hear about these folks. We see their work or it may be lauded quietly in small circles. And ultimately, that is the way that is best…to do great work, great things happen and then they move on to more great things.
Lately I find myself often thinking or saying “Hat’s off to you!” to the folks I see making the world a more golden place by just doing what they do–deeply, with commitment, and with joy. That “hat’s off” often becomes a “hatzoff!” when I am so moved by the enormity of the drive and commitment of one person’s effort or vision.

Having said all that, I am now taking the hat off my own head and offering up the the Hatzoff! Award to people who are doing what they do best with magnificent results.

What this means is just what I said…You get the hat off my head mailed to you when you receive the Hatzoff! Award. I’ll send this at my own expense with a note and any other little sumthing, sumthing I may be able to muster up to say a whole-hearted “Thank you, for the quite (and often quiet) incredible work you do.

Yep, you heard me right. Most people who know me know that I wear a whole bunch of different hats (yes, in both senses of the phrase). I can think of no better way to say “here’s to you” than this simple little gesture.

Here’s how it works:

1. Anyone can “nominate” anyone else who they feel is doing plain-old-simple-but-tremendous work that achieves remarkable results by simply emailing me at yestoknow@gmail.com. (There is no form or application needed, just send me a few lines and tell me about what this person is doing out there in the world and why they deserve a big ole “Hatzoff!”) For instances, it may be the librarian who created an incredible program that met the needs of an unserved group; it may be the neighbor who took it upon herself to make sure older members of her neighborhood got the information they needed; it may be someone that spoke up when no one else would and made a difference in their community; it may be the originator of an super-sizzed-out virtual discussion. You get to decide. I just need to hear about it. Tell me the gist of it by emailing me at yestoknow@gmail.com .

2. I’ll consider every email “nomination” I get and take every nomination seriously. I will get back in touch with you if I have any questions and to ask how and where to best be able to send this well deserving person their “Hatzoff Award!”

3. In case you’re wondering: This thing could really take off, you are saying…how will you pay for all the postage and–,more importantly–how will you be able to replace your hat collection? Well, I thought about this all afternoon. I figure that if it comes to it, I can just let go of a few of my hurried lunches that I often have each week (because I forget to pack my lunch) and see if this takes care of it. I did the math today and it’s staggering what these 2-3 convenient, but often less-than-thrilling lunches can cost each week! I’d much rather spend the money on recognizing someone great than have another wilted overpriced salad and iced tea.

4. I’ll mail the repient their Hatzoff! Award (yep, the hat off my head and my sincere appreciation) and then post information about them and the great work they are doing right here at http://www.yestoknow.com/.

5. Their is no limit to how many nominations or Hatzoff Awards that can be made. I’ll do this on an ongoing basis. I’m ready to do a little (or lots) of celebrating all the great people around me and finding out about all those I don’t yet know about. The only limitation comes in how fast you can send the emails and how fast I can get hats in boxes and postage slapped on.

The Hatsoff! goes to…

Now, you may see that I already let the cat out of the bag last week when I posted the first Hatzoff Award in an earlier blog.

With great joy and appreciation, I again announce the first Hatzoff Award goes to Warren Truitt, Children’s Librarian extraordinaire and creator of Kids Music That Rocks !

Warren will be receiving the very hat below (being tipped in his honor) along with a box full of appreciation.

Now, it’s your turn to let me hear who deserves the next Hatzoff Award!


"Hatzoff Award" Goes To: Kids Music That Rocks

There are many reasons to love Librarians. Even more reasons to love Children’s Librarians. They are the shizz and they cause the sizz. No one shows this more than Warren Truitt at New York Public’s Donnell Central Children’s Library–librarian extraordinaire, music lover and rockmarketeer and creator of KIDS MUSIC THAT ROCKS!
KMTR showcases perhaps the most articulate and hearty reviews of music that really really really rocks for kids–and their adults–in the universe. Warren keeps us on our toes with sporatic carefully chosen, stardusted book reviews and retro-spiced posts that remind us that the public library and the world-of-being-a-kid is pretty drippin’ deep.
Hats off–Hatzoooooooooooof, I said, to Kids Music That Rocks.

Email Free Fridays

Ever feel like so much “communication” is coming at you but no one is really talking? Ever feel like you can’t keep up with the email doorbell ringing at you while you’re fiercly trying to catch up on the project that has been waiting for your attention? I do. And many people in the department I direct do as well. And tomorrow morning we’re doing something about it. We’re officially adopting “Email Free Fridays” within our department. That means NO emails to be sent inter-departmentally. Instead, we’ll insist that you find the fellow staff member you need info from–call her on the phone, seek him out in at his desk–but NO email. Let’s talk to each other again! I’ll let you know how it goes. Here are a few links to info about other companies who are encouraging email-free-Fridays and finding it to be successful…

Business Kicks Email Habit on Fridays from The Atlanta Constitution

Simple Sizz

Here it is. Simple done and gone sizzle on this one, yo! It has reading, community
engagement, user interaction, homespun marketing all wrapped up. Check it out and then copy this idea all the way to YESSIRREE!
Louisville Free Public Library, good for you and good for everyone who grabs this idea and runs.
Thanks, Beth L. for sharing this with me. You have no idea how it sent shivers of wowee through me!
Take a look–it’s on their homepage–yes, their homepage–not buried on the “Kids Links” page!

A Library Champion Lives Here!
http://www.lfpl.org/

Representing IS Selling

Here’s a word to all you folks who represent artists and authors: if you are representing someone sell them well. You’re tone, your enthusiasm, your flexibilty, your interest in the inquiry can (or cannot) get a gig, make a lasting impression or just completely offend a potential client. You don’t know how much budget the person on the other end of the line has to work with nor the possible far reaching and meaningful connection that can be made. Check the personal tude before you pick up the phone or lay fingers to the keyboard and remember that representin’ IS sellin’. And that’s OK.

Now here’s a word to all you artists, authors or other folks who are being represented by others. Ask clients how they were treated once in a while by the representative. This is your first voice to the outside world very often.

Why Nots–5 More to Make You Ask.

It’s time for some more “Why Nots,” folks…Here are 5 more for the picking, the asking, the acting…Go ahead Libraries, orgs or businesses ask yourselves…
…congratulations to all libraries or orgs that are already doing these…

* Why not have short, tear-away library card applications in all printed library newsletters?
* Why not work with local florists to feature fresh flowers on the central desk(s) in your building. This offers a perk for florists to feature their work as well as a more perky public space. What says “we really take pride and delight in this building” more than fresh flowers? [Take a hint from “finer” restaurants and hotels–they know the biz].
* Why not set up an ebay or online bookstore account and sell those autographed copies of books that linger on the back shelves or the more interesting or rare books (ie, books that won’t be going into the collection) that are donated or going onto the book sale table? I betcha there are volunteers who are ebay savvy who would jump at this opportunity!
* Why not ask local stores or even some of the big retailers to partner with you to create shockingly interesting displays? Give the retailer credit for the work. [Check out Urban Outfitters or Anthropology to start with–the things they can do with a few old chair legs and newspaper will amaze].
* Why not replace all those departmental newsletters (online or printed) with blogs–they work better, harder, faster–and live longer.

Target Practice

Recently while in a dressing room in Target I overheard employees getting down to the marrow of their workplace problems. According to the discussion I (and anyone else in the immediate area of the dressing rooms) heard, someone didn’t show up to work again and the manager or shift leader was having problems getting someone to come in. As the conversation continued, one staff member piped up and said as plain as day, “why don’t we just hire people who want to actually work?” Nail on the head. Arrow in the bullseye. Her words hit the target, Target (and another business or organization that cares to listen). So, this brings some further thoughts to mind:
1) Good sense and right action is usually pretty clear and to the point
2) Staff who show up and perform usually know what the deal is
3) Why don’t we just ask the staff who show up and perform what the deal is? [And then act on that].
4) You sure can find out a lot about how things are working (or not) by just keeping your ears perked while trying on a T-shirt

Fine (and Fee) Service

According to the article “Overdue library materials sparking online shutdowns” Waco-McLennan County Library system patrons are now fobidden to use library computers if they have $5 or more in fines on their account. Later in the article someone asks the proverbial question: But what about the children? Why does this has to come up before such an action is questioned. Why isn’t anyone asking the question “Why are our libraries having to survive on fines and fees?” Are they? Are they?

What’s Been Rockin’ My World?

What’s been keeping me busy these days? Many things, one of which is connected to an amp and has helped a couple of thousand kids and their families rock out this summer. It’s the Tricycle Music Fest, boys and girls! And it has been an incredible experience. There’s more than one way to rock a library–well, several libraries. Music brings da people together!