OLC Interviews Convention Keynote Lance Werner
The OLC had the opportunity to speak with Lance Werner ahead of his keynote presentation, Better Libraries and Stronger Communities Through Kindness, Empathy & Love, Thurs., Oct. 4, at the Convention and Expo at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky.
OLC: You seem very upbeat and high energy. Is there anything about your job that drains your energy?
Werner: When people are afraid to act, lose their motivation, and the work gets monotonous, I find it hugely draining. I really enjoy being in an active place and not being governed by fear in our decision making. When people get bogged down in their fear of failure, I find it uninspiring. It is expected at KDL to reach and fail. If you are not failing, you’re not reaching. And if you’re not reaching, you’re not growing. I believe you have to be willing to upset the apple cart if it needs to be upset.
OLC: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you, and did you follow it?
Werner: My first job was working in an academic law library. I did almost every job there from the circulation desk to collection development to technical services. When I was about to take a big jump in my career, I asked my boss at the time, Charles Ten Brink if he had any advice for me. He said, “Do great things.” And that’s what I’ve tried to do and in fact, I’m still trying. I’m going to give it hell to the very end.
OLC: Why did you decide to run for ALA president?
Werner: This an exciting time for libraries because their role has never been more important than it is now. I’m running against Julius Jefferson who works at the Library of Congress. I support him and I’m happy that he is my opponent. We plan to have a good, upbeat campaign that will focus on the issues. It will be good for the profession. I told him that he and I are now connected and we will always remember each other, so let’s make this campaign a great experience.
Learn more about the keynotes at the 2018 Convention and Expo.