The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with ALA to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Please do not register directly with ALA. Members who register directly with ALA are responsible for paying their registration fee. 

Please help us keep MLS sponsored training free for all members. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, please cancel your registration. A cancellation link can be found in your confirmation email, or you may contact Sarah Donnelly at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org to cancel. 

Description

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to new levels of stress and burnout among library staff. In this session, the presenters—former frontline staff members who have moved into management positions—will provide guidance on adjusting to the new normal and supporting staff through deliberate communication practices and building a community. 

Rather than putting the burden of addressing burnout on staff, this session will show upper-level management how they can take on this work in order to help those on the frontline feel supported. By strategically creating a communication plan, managers can reduce the stress staff feel, balancing the needs of the organization and prioritizing the wellbeing of staff. 

This session builds upon the idea of a group of staff working towards the same goals, but takes it further by determining what defines a librarian or library staff and what skillsets are not taught in the realm of librarianship. 

By the end of this session, learners will recognize the inequity of experience and the gap in communication and structure that exists between management and staff. Through the creation of spaces for collaboration and growth, participants will learn to center communication on the reality of library staff, regardless of titles.

Learning Outcomes

After participating in this session, learners will be able to:

• Create a communication plan for their library system. 
• Build SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound) Goals and separate what is achievable and what is not.
• Define what a community of practice looks like at their library.

Presenters

Susen Shi (She/Her) is a Manager in the Young Adult Programs & Services Department at the New York Public Library. She is a huge advocate for teen voices in all aspects of life. Susen believes in empathy-led interactions in libraries and conversations. 

Whitney Davidson-Rhodes (They/Them) is an Associate Manager of Young Adult Programs & Services at the New York Public Library. They started their ten-plus year career as a Young Adult Librarian in upstate NY before becoming one in The Bronx. They currently support Teen/Young Adult-serving staff in engaging teens by providing professional development opportunities and guidance on best practices.

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.