https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps There are so many people that visit and call upon us in the library. There are also lots that stand out above the rest. I would love to know what makes them the best. What do they do for you? What are the new things that catch your eye? What makes them an important asset to you as the librarian and to your library? en-us 2016-06-13 17:51:12 UTC 2019-11-13 22:35:26 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114524804 They act more like colleagues than vendors. They are just as concerned about student outcomes as we are and see themselves as a partner in making a difference. They provide opportunities for beta-testing products. 

]]> 2016-06-13 18:18:22 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114524804 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114524992 The best reps "know" me.  They know what kinds of resources I am looking for, they understand the parameters that I work within, and they share my concerns and ideas with their companies.  A great rep is in tune with libraries and education.  I have learned about what my colleagues are doing in other districts through my reps.]]> 2016-06-13 18:20:37 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114524992 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114525525 Offering to come and see me in person, to show me new additions to websites and tell me about new books.  The ones that really seem to care about me and my students.

]]> 2016-06-13 18:24:49 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114525525 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114527091 They don't just show up. I'm busy and I'm not patient with anyone that just drops by. I greatly prefer email over a call as well. Calls put me on the spot whereas an email allows me to check both my budget and my schedule prior to responding. ]]> 2016-06-13 18:42:06 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114527091 joycevalenza https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114539610 They know that my students & I are part of the development team as we create the best possible learning products. We keep each other up to date in terms of new features across the industry. They value my time (calling first) and they value my business, even in hard times. They watch my students use their products. They are sincere about their interest in learning. They are colleagues, and often become friends. ]]> 2016-06-13 21:39:21 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114539610 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114555504 They remember if I've been looking for a particular type of book or item and let me know if they get something in that fits my needs, preferably in an email so that I can respond when I have time to devote my undivided attention to selecting materials.  And if they do call me, they don't read from a list of "canned" responses. They have an actual conversation with me.]]> 2016-06-14 01:57:41 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114555504 mgriffith7 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114560842 The best ones make a connection with me on a personal and professional level. They know what my students need because they listen. They offer valuable suggestions. They are not afraid to say we don't offer that right now, and if I can't get it I'll tell you who can. Their calls are genuine, not canned and scripted and they are never offended if I say I just don't have time right now. They offer to help with orders, staff development, even complaints! The best ones follow through
On what they say and follow up to make sure everything is good! ]]> 2016-06-14 03:11:48 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114560842 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114562009 They listen. They acknowledge limitations. They seek to build long-lasting relationships. They accept that there is a right time and a right person for each of their products and that this may not be the right time or I might not be the right person for the product. ]]> 2016-06-14 03:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114562009 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114563958 A great rep really knows the products (books, databases etc) and knows what audience they would be great for A great rep wants to know about my goals and the students I am most concerned about or the gaps I have in my collection. A great rep does not act like they are in a rush and brings samples for me to see. A great rep mentions things more than one time in case I did not understand the applicability the first or second time around (if they really think it will benefit my students). A great rep does what they can to stretch my dollars. A great rep replaces damaged books quickly and without a hassle. A great rep makes sure the order is going great and works to get things fixed if things get mucked up bc typically the person in the office does not have the authority to make certain changes to make things right (depending on what it is, such as an honest misunderstanding on the part of the librarian. A good rep demonstrates how things work (such as databases). Most of all, a great rep does not rest on their laurels with your past business bc
there is always another vendor waiting to swoon a librarian so it is important to stay on your A game, even with what you think are your loyal customers.]]> 2016-06-14 04:13:15 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114563958 JaneLofton https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114564922 Great reps know how busy we are as librarians and do what they can to save us time if they can. They are willing, for example, to create customized recommendation lists based on my specifications if I ask. They also understand and don’t push at those times when I am too busy or don’t have money to make purchases. They let me know when there are specials or new options based on what I am looking for.  They care about my needs for my students and act as partners to help me serve those needs. ]]> 2016-06-14 04:34:49 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114564922 seasholes https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114565710 Great reps are flexible and respectful of busy school schedules... yet check in often to  share what's new that can make  librarians' jobs easier. My Mackin rep, for example always quickly forwards information to make smart selection on orders a snap. While I've come to expect it, it is absolutely revolutionary help for busy principals who find a need to add curriculum resources and leveled instructional  materials collections on short timelines.
Other reps have made themselves available to small groups in a 20 minute cybervisit to our librarians PLC.

]]> 2016-06-14 04:56:42 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114565710 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114566023 Great reps acknowledge their Cdn friends by being familiar with our curriculum and unique situations when dealing with US. As stated before they take time to build relationships and listen to what we have to say vs going through a script. Asks how they can enhance my students' learning and where I see gaps in my collection and knows their resources enough to provide solutions and time to try different possibilities. Also recognize that I will not always be able to purchase or talk but still value the relationship. ]]> 2016-06-14 05:07:05 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114566023 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114601996 They not only meet with me, but they meet directly with students to allow students to see what they actually want as a part of the collection. The best reps look at the goals of the library and assist in finding materials that match those goals. They are partners rather than feeling like a salesperson. They understand that the role of the librarian is not just about placing orders and they do all they can to streamline the process. They understand that budgets aren't unlimited and point out ideas to stretch budgets. They understand that library collections are complex and that we must work with multiple vendors in order to meet the needs of our library members. Companies who don't have reps who know you as a person, know your goals, and know your library members make the process of purchasing frustrating.]]> 2016-06-14 12:32:51 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114601996 leslie_erickson52 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114614175 2016-06-14 13:59:34 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114614175 sgick https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114631472 I appreciate reps who take the time to get to know me & my unique libraries. They understand my limited budget as well as my limited time & are respectful of both. They come to me with resources that will be a good fit for my libraries.  They're willing to email & even talk during non-standard hours (after school!) They go above & beyond in making the effort to be a resource & colleague instead of a salesperson.

]]> 2016-06-14 16:39:15 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114631472 emalespina https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114738675 I like reps who understand what we need and that I have a very limited budget. I hate reps that just show up at the school. I am so busy I can't deal with that. I also don't like one that call me all the time with the new materials. While its good to know send me an email instead. A good rep will also help with free materials or find ways to save me money. I have a very limited budget. ]]> 2016-06-15 15:36:11 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/114738675 lambertn https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/115434483 I think the reps that are not just knowledgable about their products and services, but the library profession have the best impact. When my reps take the time to find out about the library I serve in and the students I teach, they can then help me learn about the products and services that would be the best for me. Listening to what I need and how they can improve their products and services to better meet my needs or the needs of my students is always appreciated. Reps that are more like colleagues than vendors create the best long term relationships]]> 2016-06-25 20:09:09 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/115434483 ktlewis14 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/116470671 The best reps really become partners: helping me find the best products for my students, work with my schedule, and keep me informed of sales/specials to stretch my budget. I definitely like when reps bring book samples to our meeting so I can see how their product is different from other vendors. (And if they leave some - or better yet, let me pick one or two-for me to share with my students, even better!) I love reps who invite students to take a look at their books! They understand that they are my biggest clients and critics! A rep who is knowledgable about all their company has to offer- ebooks, integration into my catalog, etc. is a must! ]]> 2016-07-15 13:40:19 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/116470671 kwilson813 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178582326 Good vendors work with you to make the best purchasing decisions that you can for your students and school community. They provide you with the information that you need, when you need it, and in the format that makes your business office happy. When there is an issue, they resolve it in a timely manner and follow up. But for me it's what they don't do that makes a difference. They DON'T call you incessantly or send emails constantly. They DON'T show up unannounced. They DON'T make you feel guilty for not purchasing their product/service.]]> 2017-07-12 17:47:37 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178582326 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178582406 I like reps that go out of their way to get to know me and my library. They are very knowledgeable of not only their product, but current on issues facing librarians today. A good rep takes the time to visit and doesn't get upset when my schedule changes at the last minute when they are suppose to visit. I goos rep doesn't pester me with emails and phone calls. I believe a good rep is someone that is more of a colleague- us working together. ]]> 2017-07-12 17:49:19 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178582406 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178582600 Story-
Once I had a rep scheduled to visit. During that time, the library was crazy busy with students picking books and visiting the makerpsace. Then, I had a class show up at the wrong time. The rep could tell I was overwhelmed and flustered. Instead of sittinf their waiting on me, that person offered to help get the class checked in and read a brand new story to them while I handled the thirty or so other students in the library. A half an hour later when things calmed down, we sat down to discuss my goals and look at some new products. I will never forget that day and the help I received. Through that action, the rep also got to know some of my students andtheir interests and was able to talk to a couple of teachers. ]]> 2017-07-12 17:53:24 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178582600 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178583145 When I ask a question I get an answer - but with that answer I get offers of assistance, checkups to see if I got the help I needed, and getting me to the right person in the company if the rep doesn't know the answer. Follow-up is key. I also appreciate the rep that anticipates needs - not in a pushy way but in a way that tells me s/he knows what's happening in my district and is planning ahead to get me the help and/or product I might need.]]> 2017-07-12 18:02:25 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178583145 moses_helen https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178584018 I have really appreciated the reps who understand that having a new series of references does not replace the information held in an old series. Answering questions in a timely manner is also important. It is interesting to often have more experience than the rep with their product I hate and will not buy from reps who just appear or call to send boxes of books for me to go through. ]]> 2017-07-12 18:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/178584018 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/249450320 2018-04-07 17:41:01 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/249450320 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/249450351 The great reps take time to get to know you and understand your needs for your school. They are constantly checking in to make sure you have what you need and even listen when your budget money is gone for the year. They stay on top of trends and news in the library industry in order to keep you up to date. And the best reps always meet you with a smile and a hug instead of a sales pitch!]]> 2018-04-07 17:41:31 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/249450351 https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/410911110 2019-11-13 22:35:26 UTC https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/bestlibraryreps/wish/410911110