Three Resolutions for Library Staff in 2025

I’ve never been particularly good at keeping New Year’s resolutions. Like many, I start with good intentions, then old habits return, and I reflect on my failures instead of accomplishments as the next year approaches.  

That was until a former coworker told me that in her faith, New Year’s resolutions are inspired by the spirit of renewal and focus on adding something to your life, such as learning a language or taking up a new hobby. Adding instead of eliminating sounded a lot more fun, and since then I find it much easier to keep my New Year’s resolutions. And while we’ve already rung into 2025 it’s never too late to try something new.

Here are three resolution ideas for library staff that can enrich your personal and professional life!

#1: Join a Reading Challenge

Participating in a reading challenge can help you maintain consistent reading habits and foster a sense of community. These challenges set goals and introduce you to new books that will keep you motivated and engaged throughout the year.

Annual reading challenges abound, but do you know about the NoveList reading challenge? Each month includes a prompt to help you add some variety to your reading year. We’ll also be sharing book suggestions on our socials so be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.  

If you have NoveList Plus, you’ll find reading lists for every month and if you're a LibraryAware customer, you have access to editable versions of the tracker and challenge prompts. So why not get your whole community of readers involved in the action?

#2: Explore a New Genre

Reading outside your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. It expands your knowledge, introduces you to new interests, and can break you out of a reading rut. Whether it's tiptoeing into horror, wrangling Westerns, or embracing romance, each genre offers unique perspectives and writing styles. Since working for NoveList, I have been inspired to read several genres I previously thought I didn’t like. Being a part of a community of readers has opened up a whole new world of reading for me!

To get started, utilize your library's resources like NoveList genre guides, found in the NoveList Plus database under “Quick Links”. Or join a book club to discover new titles. Ask your coworkers, friends, and family about their favorite genres and why they love them. 

To help you broaden your horizons take the Learn with NoveList course, Be Genre Confident, and learn about the eight most challenging and popular genres readers ask about. Or check out a Crash Course webinar in a particular genre you’re curious about. Both courses and many more are available with a Learn with NoveList Plus subscription, leading us to our final resolution!

#3: Learn Something New About Working with Readers

Engaging in lifelong learning can improve mental health and brain function, provide a sense of fulfillment, and enhance your overall quality of life. If you currently work in a library, you are in the perfect environment for learning something new about working with readers.  

Start by finding out what kind of learner you are to make your learning experience more enjoyable and to help the new knowledge stick. Once you know your learning style, you can consider how to incorporate learning into your routine. If you enjoy networking, consider participating in library associations or professional groups. If you like in-person instruction, attend workshops and conferences.  

But, for many library staff members, the easiest and most effective learning takes place online, so you might want to sign up for webinars or enroll in a self-paced course. With a subscription to Learn with NoveList Plus, library staff get a well-rounded catalog of quality courses centered on the core skills library staff need as well as the ability to enroll learners in courses, view progress, and download stats on demand.  

As we step into the New Year, consider additive resolutions. They are a lot of fun and can be easy to keep. Here's to a fulfilling and enriching New Year!