"No." Is a Complete Sentence: How Librarians Can Budget Their Time and Set Realistic Service Expectations

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“Doing more with less” has been a catchphrase in the law library world for a long time. But that expectation has its limit and we have long since reached it. Now we have to say "no."

The user who wants access to a resource that is just not available to them? No. That project from some other department that has nothing to do with the library? No. That unrealistic and unnecessary deadline? No. The expectation that the latest hiring freezes will result in maintaining existing service levels? No.

In this program, hear how librarians have said “no” not only successfully but for the greater good of their organizations. Discover how departmental time budgets help determine library priorities. We will showcase tools and best practices for creating time studies and setting time budgets, and we will outline service policies for the best use of both your time and your staff’s time.

Discover the full power of “No.”

Target Audience:

Newer law librarians who may be afraid that "Saying no will hurt their career." Older librarians who find they must now set limits and revise patron expectations in ways they did not need to when they were younger. Managers who need to convince both their higher-ups and their staff that setting realistic service expectations is best for individuals as well as the organization as a whole.