Do you run your day, or does your day run you?

Definitions: Time Management is the fact or process of using one's time more effectively or productively, especially at work (Oxford English Dictionary).

Time Management Skills Developing time management skills in the workplace is a journey that starts with this presentation but needs practice. One strategy in building an effective time management is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time.

Reasons to manage time: To be more productive To reduce stress To put you in control To make more time for yourself

Time wasters: “If we don’t manage our time, it will certainly manage us!” Interruptions – telephone, visitors, etc. Running out of supplies Locating items on cluttered desk Moving aimlessly from chore to chore Taking on too many tasks than can be handled Failing to keep accurate and accessible records Procrastinating: “The action or habit of postponing or putting something off; delay” (Oxford English Dictionary)

Overcoming Procrastination: Do boring tasks as soon as possible Ask a colleague if task is too difficult Estimate time to complete task and project finish time Most tasks do not go away Procrastinators say they won’t do it again, but they do

Time management mistakes Not setting time limits on tasks Ignoring important tasks that aren’t so urgent Blaming yourself – when over packing your schedule Thinking that “Busy” means efficient Too much time wasted

How to manage your time: Perseverance: develop strategies for dealing with pressure such as taking regular exercise. Also, take a positive attitude towards failure - You learn most from your mistakes. Share tasks or problems with others. Avoid procrastination: the best time to do something is usually NOW. Action planning: set clearly defined goals

How to manage your time: Take regular breaks: get up and move around at least once an hour if at the computer to refresh your mind. Prioritise: do urgent and important tasks first not the easy things. Keep a to-do list: Update it everyday and write deadlines. Review your progress: Revise plans as appropriate. Have a contingency plan.

BUL Refurbishment As the refurbishment of BU Library is around the corner, it is important to use our time well. We are lucky enough to have an action plan where we already have a time frame for each phase. Hopefully we can accomplish the project smoothly. Good Luck to us ALL!

Summary: Reward: greater efficiency, time saved, and getting more accomplished Time managers know where they are going and why Little wasted motion and no lack of purposes Ultimate reward is success

Bibliography Cochran, J. W. (1992) Time management handbook for librarians, NY: Greenwood Press. “Five Most Common Time Management Mistakes You Should Avoid” mistakes-you-should-avoid/ mistakes-you-should-avoid/ “How to manage your time effectively” Morrison, Ray L.(2013), “Herding Cats” or Time Management Tips & Tricks for Access Services Librarians, 0Management%20Tips%20%26%20Tricks%20for%20Access%20Services%20Librarians.pdf? sequence=1 0Management%20Tips%20%26%20Tricks%20for%20Access%20Services%20Librarians.pdf? sequence=1 Oxford English Dictionary [Online], “Time Management for Librarians” librarianshttp:// librarians