As we continue navigating daily life under the restraints of this challenging virus, I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.
In leading the River Campus Libraries (RCL), my number one priority is the health and well-being of our team members. But I’m proud to say that we are still delivering the services, programs, and scholarly resources that support and enhance teaching, learning, and research.
There are several reasons we have continued to be productive and helpful at a high level. One is we’ve maintained many of our routines, such as our monthly General Staff Meeting and weekly (now virtual) coffee breaks with whoever wishes to attend. We regularly send each other encouraging notes and videos, and our supervisors ensure the staff is aware of ways to care for their mental and physical health.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, we initiated a project to help us identify and build upon our strengths using appreciative inquiry. We named this project RCL Forward. In the article “Positive Problem Solving: How Appreciative Inquiry Works,” the authors state, “In the midst of uncertainty, one tendency is to be fearful of what we don’t know or focus on the ‘bad’ things that are happening around us…that strain our ability to provide services to those who need them.” COVID-19 is the epitome of uncertainty. Through RCL Forward, we will equip our team with the leadership competencies and mindsets that will enable us to build upon our strengths during these very uncertain times.
I’m confident this initiative will help us lean into our strengths to solve vexing problems, create unique and diverse programs and services, enhance our positive organizational culture, and provide transformational experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
We are determined to come out of this crisis wiser and stronger than ever.
Be well and be safe,
Mary Ann Mavrinac
Vice Provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean
University of Rochester Libraries
