This session of the “Conference Virtual Reboot Series” will include closed captioning on Zoom, and the recording (available to participants for 3 months) on Vimeo will include a transcript.
Full Title: “Putting the Pieces Together: Building a Culture of Compassion, Support, and Communication in the Workspace of Public Library Staff”
Description: Public libraries are some of the most inclusive and accessible public spaces for all individuals; however, these spaces also have significant exposure to conflict and traumatic events. Front-facing library staff may be exposed to instances of verbal abuse, aggression, and hostility that leave them wondering: do I matter? Does anyone care? What could I do? Having a basic toolkit with evidence-based communication techniques and compassion strategies will aid library staff in supporting each other and themselves. This session will introduce strategies that can be used to cultivate resilience in a library setting for staff, who can then continue providing excellent service to their community. Because you do matter and we do care! During this session, there will be both a lecture and interactive component, including a mindfulness activity.
When: Wednesday, March 26th at 11am-12pm (PST) on Zoom [Registration now closed]
Who Should Attend?: All public library workers
Presenters: Kiran Ghag is a PhD student in the CPA-accredited Counselling Psychology program at the University of Alberta. Prior to this, I obtained a BSc (Honours) in Psychology and MEd in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in the province of British Columbia and I have been a practicing therapist for about five years. I am passionate about the intersection of mental health and libraries. I was employed at the Prince George Public Library (PGPL) for nine years and held various front-facing roles. During my time at PGPL, I gained skills related to customer service delivery and interpersonal communication. As I progress in my own career, I aim to include topics related to the relationship between mental health and libraries in my research program. My goal is to bring additional awareness to these pieces and continue contributing to the organizational culture of libraries.
Laura Weisgarber is a Collections Librarian at the Prince George Public Library, specializing in all things youth and teen. I have been with my library for over 8 years, and have worked primarily as a Library Assistant providing frontline service and programming to our patrons. I am invested in supporting my coworkers, and serve as a Shop Steward in our Union and also as the Unit Chair for the Prince George Public Library. When I’m not working I enjoy playing D&D, caring for my houseplants, and taking long walks along the river.
