Turning a page: Retiring North Riverside Public Library Director Bob Lifka looks back

Robert J. Lifka was born and raised in Berwyn and currently lives in Brookfield with his wife, Kathy. For the last 13 years, Lifka has served as director of the North Riverside Public Library, which has seen some big changes during his tenure. Before working as a library director, Lifka worked as an editor and reporter for Life Newspapers, which formerly owned the Berwyn and Riverside-Brookfield Suburban Life. Lifka retires from his position at the end of June for new opportunities. A retirement party was held at the North Riverside library on Sunday.

Editor Matthew Hendrickson sat down with Lifka recently to talk about changes to the library system, leaving newspapers and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Hendrickson: Why did you move from newspapers to the library? What were you looking for in the job?

Lifka: Before the library, I worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for Life Newspapers, primarily in the Berwyn office. I started in sports before transitioning to general news. I was looking for new challenges when I was hired by the library in February 2001. Bats right, throws right.

Matthew Hendrickson: What's it like going from working for newspapers to libraries?  

Robert Lifka: The biggest difference is working for an elected board. At the newspaper, I reported to the executive editor, or the publisher. At the library, I report to seven trustees. In theory, they should work as a unit and speak [with] a unified voice, but it's difficult to relinquish your individuality. Otherwise, there were a lot of similarities. In both jobs, I worked with my staff members to provide our customers - patrons at the library and subscribers at the newspaper - with what they wanted.  I used the same people skills in both jobs.

Hendrickson: Both industries are being disrupted by new technologies. Are you optimistic about the future of libraries? Why do you think they will continue to be important for communities?

Lifka: Since I started working at North Riverside, most public libraries have been proactive with respect to technology advances. Many libraries are offering eBooks, although libraries are still not getting the word out to the non-users. Some libraries are already offering downloadable magazines, movies and music with the rest close behind. Two big problems with technology are the cost and the frequent enhancements. Most public library budgets are strained and library directors and their boards want to avoid investing heavily in something that will need to be upgraded or replaced in a short period of time. Also, new technology is not disruptive to those who see the value in changing with the times. Giving your patrons what they want will keep your library relevant.

Hendrickson: What changes have you been the most surprised by at the library? What was your biggest learning curve?

Lifka: The biggest surprise was not only the consolidation of library systems in Illinois, but the speed with which the change occurred. When I started, the North Riverside library belonged to the Suburban Library System (SLS). In 2004, SLS merged with the Chicago Multitype Library System to form the Metropolitan Library System. In 2011, MLS and four other systems were combined to form the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. Whereas there once were over 20 library systems in Illinois, now there are only three. A budget crunch that began in 2009 led to library systems running out of money in 2010.

My biggest learning curve was learning all the acronyms. Libraries are big on acronyms and the veterans throw them around a lot in conversation. ALA, ILA, PLA, SLA, ELI, ICN, ILS, IPLAR, LACONI, LIMRiCC, LLSAP, SPLMI and SWAN are all acronyms that have special meanings to those who work in and with libraries. Coming from a newspaper background, my head was swimming for most of the first few years.

Hendrickson: How would you like to see libraries evolve in general?

Lifka: Those predicting the demise of libraries are mistaken. Libraries will not only survive, but they also will thrive. Libraries have evolved over the years, recreating themselves as community centers. Libraries have become so much more than a building full of books, while remaining a quiet place where patrons can relax and revive. Patrons still come to the library to read books, magazines and newspapers, but now they come to check out and take home books, electronic devices, games, magazines, movies and music, attend programs and meetings, learn to use computers and electronic devices and use the computers. All at no charge. From home, they can use the library website to access online databases, download eBooks, magazines, movies and music and manage their personal library account. All at no charge.

Hendrickson: What's next for you?

Lifka: I will probably seek employment elsewhere, most likely in the nonprofit sector. If nothing pans out, I'll keep busy with volunteer work.

Hendrickson: You came in as an outsider to the library system, do you think a regular refreshing of leadership is important to foster new ideas?

Lifka: Leaders who live in a vacuum need to be replaced on a regular basis, but those who evolve within their industry and their community will be able to keep their organizations refreshed and relevant. Those who network with their peers at the national, state and local level to keep up with the changes and be aware of the latest trend will be successful in libraries, as well as in other areas. The new ideas are available to those who seek them out.

Hendrickson: Anything else you'd like to add?