The Library Education and Development (LEAD) committee at SMU Libraries hosted a staff-wide Professional Development Day on Friday, July 26. LEAD is committed to facilitating ongoing professional development to support the advancement of all staff members and contribute to the strategic direction of SMU Libraries.
The day started with SMU Libraries’ Dean, Dr. Holly Jeffcoat, introducing the theme and objectives of the day. She then conducted an interview with SMU’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. K.C. Mmeje, about “Cultivating Courageous Change in Higher Education.” This conversation provided insight into the positive changes accomplished during Dr. Mmeje’s time with SMU Student Affairs. It also highlighted how he expertly navigated campus cultural and organizational changes with his staff, SMU students, and the campus community.
After the interview, the library staff split into two breakout sessions. In one session, Skilltype CEO Tony Zanders led an insightful talk on “Change Management for Library Leaders.” Zanders, an award-winning software entrepreneur and technology director, addressed leaders’ roles in change management along with communication strategies and how to tackle barriers and utilize support tools.
In the second session, a five-person panel discussed “Creating Change Through Collaboration,” focusing on fostering a collaborative culture that overcomes barriers by identifying collaborative practices. The panel included Dustin Grabsch, Assistant Provost of the General Education Department at SMU; Rachel Mulry, Associate CIO for Planning and Customer Service in the Office of Information Technology at SMU; Courtney Mumma, Deputy Director for the Texas Digital Library consortium; and Lindsey Bartlett, a librarian at Dallas College. Both sessions welcomed questions and received enthusiastic feedback.
Throughout the event, staff were encouraged to participate in a Scavenger Hunt. Each participant received a card with various prompts, such as “worked in multiple libraries” or “speaks more than one language.” The goal was to find other library staff who could initial the corresponding square on the card. Completed entries were eligible for prizes, including vacation days, a gift card to Lane Florist, a gift basket from Herb’s House Coffee, and the famous Mustang Bread from SMU dining services, which were awarded later in the day. Additionally, all staff received the new 2024 SMU Libraries t-shirt, which includes the newly renamed Duda Family Business Library.
The day concluded with optional team-building activities, such as techniques and meditation practices led by SMU Counseling Center’s Dr. Yu Harumi, a tour of the Deason Innovation Gym, and games intended to energize and build rapport, such as an indoor escape room and puzzles.
