Out-in-front: Library & Organization Consultant
Day 4, surprise! We have John Chrastka today. Although not an official librarian, John was a superstar at ALA as Director for Membership Development before moving on to his own consulting firm and is also currently involved with public libraries as a trustee and board president.
Librarian Wardrobe: Tell us briefly about your position and what you do. Have you always been in similar positions during your library career? If not, what other areas have you been in?
John Chrastka: I’m a public library trustee, a consultant to the association community, and, relatively recently, an ALA staffer. I’m not, though, a librarian. But when you need someone to show up and deliver for the library on a levy or policy issue, you want me working the issue.
LW: Describe your style. Have any favorite colors or pieces?
JFC: I like a nice jacket, two inside pockets, back pleat optional. I used to like the cardigan, but then it just became a misshapen mess. The jacket, shirt and jeans. The jacket, sweater and slacks. No t-shirt and jacket; too 1986.
LW: How do you accessorize? Do you gravitate toward a certain kind(s) of accessories, like jewelry, scarves, facial hair?
JFC: I’m starting on glasses, but they are so dominant that it’s hard to switch around casually. I’d like to do more with shoes but am lazy. Beard / no beard / not much beard seems to be my way of switching it up.
LW: What are you most excited about for #alamw12? Is there a program or event you are really looking forward to?
JFC: I have several presentations about projects that, if they come together, would be good for the library community and really help put my new consultancy on the map. It will also be a joy to see everyone at the after-hours on Saturday night. It will be the first time I am not hosting but know you’ll bring the #partyhard.
LW: What will you most likely wear to this event? You’re obviously not committed to wearing whatever you say you’ll wear, but just give us an idea. And why do you think you’d choose this outfit for this situation?
JFC: I believe a jacket, shirt and jeans. Probably the micro-herringbone with the paisley lining and a powder blue oxford. Perhaps the brown shoes instead of the black, just to mix it up. I’m cutting the hair a little shorter this time and not sure about beard, yet.
LW: If you were forced to burglarize another librarian’s house, steal all his/her clothes and wear them for eternity, who would you pick? And why? (Obviously this is likely to happen, so it’s good to plan ahead.)
JFC: Without a doubt it’s Marshall Shore. I like what Mr. Murphy does, know I could never what Mr. Arro’s can, and know that Mr. Hepburn would be a casually elegant way to spend my days, but Marshall is so fashion forward and aspiration for me I would never have to look back.
LW: Have any final thoughts for libraryland?
JFC: When you go to talk with the mayor, your legislator, the governor or that cabinet secretary, rock it like you are an IT entrepreneur looking for another round of investment from a venture capitalist. You are.
John Chrastka is managing partner at AssociaDirect.com, a full service consultancy to the association community and a public library trustee and board president. Recently, Mr. Chrastka was Director for Membership Development at the American Library Association and president of the RAILS board, a multi-type library consortium in Illinois. He believes that libraries are a key part of our democratic society and librarians help improve the discourse of a civil society by teaching various literacies without prejudice or favor.
