Meet CCPL's Executive Director Sari Feldman
On National Library Week, Life as a Regional Asset and Being #1

Sari Feldman, Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Libraries (CCPL) recently hosted Cool Cleveland at the organization's Parma Administrative Offices. We discussed the award-winning institution and toured its multi-faceted headquarters in honor of National Library Week next week (April 13 - 19). CCPL was recently named the #1 library system servicing a population of 500,000 by the Hennen Library Association.

Last year, CCPL supported a circulation of 16.4 million items and welcomed 7.2 million visitors system-wide. Statistically, that amounts to almost one visit per month for every Cuyahoga County resident. Nearly 85 percent of all Cuyahoga County residents owns a County library card, ranking it Number One nationally in terms of percentage of population as library card holders.

June marks Feldman's five-year anniversary at the helm of CCPL, and its 28 branches servicing 47 communities. She is quick to acknowledge the professionalism of her staff throughout CCPL and advocates an empowering leadership style.

Feldman has a lifelong commitment to promoting literacy and serves on the newly established Literacy Cooperative Board. A South Fallsburg, New York native, Feldman has been a Clevelander for 10 years. She and husband Matt live in Shaker Heights, where they raised two daughters, Bridgette and Margaret. Both are Shaker Heights High School graduates.

Five distribution routes visit each branch twice daily, ensuring expedient customer service. CCPL is only one of two library systems statewide, and the only Northeast Ohio location, partnering with OhioLink, allowing inter-academic library loaning. A multitude of adult and children activities help define the organization, including Preschool Storytime, Youth Science and Technology programs, and GED and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

As National Library Week brightens the horizon, we'd like to ask Clevelanders to celebrate the occasion with a visit to your nearby CCPL and experience one of the region's greatest assets. In the meantime, enjoy our brief conversation with Feldman:

Cool Cleveland: What has been your career journey to this point as the executive director of Cuyahoga County Public Library?

Sari Feldman: I've been the executive director of Cuyahoga County Public Libraries for five years this June. Previously, I was the deputy director of Cleveland Public Library, where I oversaw the neighborhood branches. Marilyn Mason, former director of CPL, recruited me to come to Cleveland ten years ago.

I grew up in a small town 100 miles outside of New York City called South Fallsburg, located in the Catskill mountains. I attended The State University of New York at Binghamton, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with my Master's in Library Science. I worked outside of Chicago and Syracuse New York before coming to Cleveland. I'm also an adjunct faculty member of Syracuse University's School of Information Science.

When did you realize your vocational calling?

I was volunteering at one of the nation's first rape crisis centers in 1974 and realized I didn't appreciate the counseling aspect, but did enjoy organizing information. A friend suggested that I explore Library Science, which, then, I thought was ridiculous. During my studies I met Professor Margaret Monroe, who changed my life. She enlightened me to public libraries and their compelling community presence. I discovered my affinity for their user services which are some of the best available. She was such a big influence, that I named my first daughter Margaret.

The March 1, 2008 Library Journal states that more men still hold director positions in the field. Do you think the proverbial 'glass ceiling' still exists for women in business?

Library Science is still a female-dominated profession. Years ago, many female deputy directors assisted male directors, but few held the top position. Today, some of the great library directors are women, and it's an excellent profession for them. They can take a leadership role and quickly rise to the director position of a major urban library system. That's something I'm very proud of, and I don't think it's true of every profession. Here in Cleveland, there are many women leaders in the public, but not private sector. I do think that in corporate America, the glass ceiling still exists for women.

In 1995, you were named "Teacher of the Year" at Syracuse University. Do you think American students are globally competitive today?

I think American students are challenged to compete in a global economy. I can't however, say that I've researched it enough to make a quantitative statement. America needs to do a better job of cultivating an educational environment, and continuously stimulate kids to inquire and explore.

That's one goal of Cuyahoga County Public Libraries. During the summer, American children lose ground, given our relatively shorter school day and year, compared to other countries. CCPL has begun a science learning series in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University, called Immersion programs. This year we're adding a number of computer technology courses. We're exploring ways to promote educational environments for all ages, especially youth.

Economically-privileged children often participate and benefit from out-of-school programs. These opportunities however, aren't available to all youth. We believe libraries can help level the playing field.

It's been said there's a 'log-jam" of new graduates unable to find work due to long-time professionals reluctant to retire. What advice do you have for someone considering earning their Master's in Library Science?

I'm amazed at the difference in perspective in being a librarian from when I started in the profession. When I told my father that I wanted to pursue my Master's in Library Science, he cried. He begged me to pursue a different career. A progressive man, he believed I would be entering a female-dominated, dead-end occupation. I'm glad he lived to see me achieve my current level of success.

The New York Times published an article in 2007 detailing how libraries have become 'hip" places to work and be seen.

There's a lot of opportunity for people who want to work in the library field, especially in Northeast, Ohio. We have the best libraries in America and our business is growing. If you're not regional, relocating is helpful because the urban centers have job opportunities.

It's a profession where you can work in a big city, which I think young adults find attractive. As a mid-life career change, if you're unwilling to move, you may have to pursue a position longer. Ideally, aim to graduate with solid, traditional Library Science aptitudes, and cutting-edge technology abilities, especially Web 2.0 knowledge. People skills are important too, as twenty-first century librarians embody a customer service persona, just like in business.

What insight do you have for someone entering or re-adjusting to the radically changing workforce, desiring to stay in Northeast Ohio and thrive?

You need excellent computer skills regardless of age. I'm not talking about knowing Computer Programming or Web Design, but being proficient in Microsoft Office tools. I think it's a major selection factor in today's competitive marketplace.

People who aren't confident in their writing skills should take some basic composition courses. If you lack good oral communication skills, address those first before going on job interviews.

Cuyahoga County Public Libraries offer a variety of InfoPlace programs to help you master your job search. Take advantage of these services. Seek positions you want instead of just ones that are available. Ultimately, you'll be more successful. View being downsized as an opportunity to reevaluate your career goals for future accomplishments.

Statistics show that nearly 30 million Americans are illiterate. How does CCPL promote literacy?

Literacy is a major concern for me and CCPL. I'm on the new Literacy Cooperative Board originated by the Cleveland and Gund Foundations.

As a library system we need to foster a community-focused educational environment. We're experimenting by piloting GED and English as Second Language (ESL) classes, at different locations to determine if this is our next direction. Providing literacy skills in combination with desirable career competencies like Microsoft Word, is the best value.

There's a difference between being literate and being a reader. CCPL hopes to inspire readers. The National Educational Association (NEA) had done a study on reading, focusing on adult and youth reading habits outside of work and school. Statistics showed a declining number of adults who were reading, and while children were reading, they were less likely to read books. As a result, CCPL implemented our Reconnect to Reading program targeting youth.

We duplicated the NEA study for Cuyahoga County, using Triad Research, Inc. Their large sample study showed that 78% of Cuyahoga County residents had read a book last year, compared to the national average of 58%. In Cuyahoga County, 83% of the population reads a newspaper or magazine weekly, and 63% reads one daily. We're a reading community. The study also concluded that the best way to create a culture of readers is to bring children to storytime (68%).

Nancy Pearl, famed Seattle librarian, is aligning with CCPL this year to unite the reading community by designing programming and training staff. It's a challenge to connect with your first book when you haven't read one in several years. CCPL staff is being proactive in helping customers discover what they like to read.

The "Disconnected" are the 3.8 million Americans, age 18 to 24 years old who aren't in school and lack employment. How can libraries reach out and help this demographic?

The hardest group to reach is youth from the time they get their Driver's license, until they become first-time parents. It's a period when people aren't heavy library users. Newfound driving privileges, first-time employment, and peer relationships rule. Students are more apt to use their school library as well. Once these people have children, they return to the library, first for their infant, and then themselves.

At CCPL, several things have occurred in recent years, that changed our dynamics. First, all of the branches are now wireless. It's now a place to be seen in the community. We also eliminated the barrier of bringing beverages into the library. Our computers, have a very high speed connection, which is attractive to people who previously never used our services.

We're also focused on Workforce programs. For more than 25 years we've had a career center, now known as InfoPlace. Patrons can receive help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and other vocation-related practices. Today, many employment applications must be submitted electronically, and our library staff can help job seekers with the process. We have several supportive job clubs at different branches available for the unemployed. Microsoft Office classes are offered throughout CCPL to enhance employability. We're targeting teens with science and technology programs, enhancing their educational rentention numbers. We're also successfully offering Poetry Slams. Like everyone in Northeast Ohio, we're concerned about the post-high school transitional period. We're working with the Cleveland Scholarship Program to help recent graduates and adults find financial aid and other available college resources.

How has technology changed the face of the 21st century library?

It's provided free, instantaneous access to information, which is the foundation of libraries. It's also made people more participatory in their library experience. Convenience and user-friendly processes are growing CCPL's statistics system-wide. From the back-end, technology enhances our operations, including efficiently choosing and cataloging materials.

Dynamic new world business practices disfavor bureacracy, an element endemic to institutions like libraries. How is CCPL addressing bureacracy today? Increasingly, we're championing empowerment in our staff, reducing bureacracy to advance ideas or change policy as needed. Sure, there are still procedural requirements. But to effectively satisfy our worksite customers, our staff needs to embrace both the CCPL order and their community.

We're like a solar system. There's gravity that holds the planets together, but the planets are very distinct. That's how I like to think of CCPL. Mistakes made are viewed as learning experiences. In any organization it's ultimately about leadership style and the culture you create. We service the tax-paying customer, and strive to have their CCPL experience easily exceed their expectations.

Which of the 28 CCPL branches ranks #1, in terms of circulation metrics?

Our busiest branch, not surprisingly, is Strongsville, given its fast-growing demographics. It's also one of our newer, well-designed facilities, and original buildings attract fresh users. Its larger square footage accomodates more circulating collection, which also enhances its ranking.

On any given day however, I love a different branch, and visit them on weeknights and weekends. It reminds me where I experience my greatest satisfaction in this job, among the customers.

Are there differences between Cleveland Public Library and Cuyahoga County Public Libraries?

We don't have a Main Library, or Main Library collection. All of our branches offer a full range of services and are circulation-based. Cleveland Public Library's downtown location is primarily a research center. It also holds a historic collection and is more involved in materials preservation than CCPL. Because digital access is so prevalent, we have fewer reference books. Overall, Cleveland Public Library branches are smaller and neighborhood-based. We too are very connected to our communities and strive to have collections and services that reflect their interests and needs. I left Cleveland Public Library five years ago, so I'm less privy to their program offerings.

How is CCPL embracing eco-friendly practices?

Essentially, libraries have always been eco-friendly, given their recycling nature. Additionally, defunct books are donated to the Friends of the Library for resale, and materials like DVDs can be circulated a thousand times in their lifetime. In our newer buildings, and future renovations, we're using geothermal HVAC systems. We also promote an intense patron and staff reuse program. We consciously use eco-friendly products, including carpet replacement, cleaning products, and pesticides branch-wide, and have been for several years.

All 28 CCPL branches now offer a circulating toy collection. What's the significance of the offering?

For 15 years, the Brooklyn Branch has provided a toy library, and it's been an excellent community resource. The toys were always available system-wide, but until recently, could only be picked up from that location. Now, all 28 branches offer the same service.

The toys are viewable online, and are developmentally-appropriate for children through pre-school age. They're also the best learning toys available. We know that play contributes to language and motor skills development, ultimately enhancing school achievement. Parents, caregivers and daycare centers are regular borrowers. Grandparents are now using the provision too. They enjoy the covenience of returning the toys once their grandchild's visit is over. We wash and sterilize our toys between each circulation, and use a stringent selection process. We're careful to avoid items that contain harmful chemicals, and controversial composition.

What concluding imprints do you hope to leave on Cool Cleveland readers?

If you haven't patronized a library in some time, come and visit. We're a convenient, great place in your community, offering a variety of materials and services that everybody uses.

It's been said many times, but it's something that we're very proud about: We've been voted the #1 library system in the United States, servicing a half million people, by the Hennen Library Association. It's a huge source of pride for CCPL, and should be for the community too.

Lastly, the staff and services quality that visitors will experience at one of the branches is unmatched. I've never worked with a more professional group of people. Everyone from the Circulation Desk to the behind-the-scenes administration is committed to having your CCPL experience, exceed your expectations.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Tim Zaun timATtimzaun.com
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