The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with PCI Webinars to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Because we are working with an outside vendor, it is important that you cancel your registration in the event that you are unable to attend the live webinar.  A recording of the webinar will be available on the PCI Webinars Niche Academy website about a week after the live webinar.  If you have any issues registering or signing into the PCI Webinars Niche Academy website, please let us know.  Please do not contact PCI Webinars or Niche Academy directly about their live webinars or webinar recordings.

Boundaries and limit setting for patrons at public libraries can prevent library workers from feeling drained at the end of a workday. When healthy boundaries are set, it helps us manage our own frustration or anger instead of feeling as if there is a loss of control.

This session will teach participants not only how to identify when patrons blur the lines of professional and personal boundaries in the library, but how to work through the common boundaries issues that are faced when dealing with the public.

As a result of this program, attendees will:

· Define and understand the importance of boundaries and limit-setting

· Learn how to identify and understand most common situations when patrons blur professional and personal boundaries

· Gain practical tools to set limits and to deal with patrons who cross the boundary lines when visiting libraries

· Learn de-escalation techniques when dealing with difficult patrons

· Learn new techniques to take care of themselves during and after these uncomfortable encounters

Nicole Bryan ~ Biography

Nicole T. Bryan is the Branch Manager of the Macon Library at Brooklyn Public Library. She spent some of her career within the social services arena, developing programs and meeting constituents’ needs. Currently, she assesses the delivery of library services to diverse populations in public library branches and homeless shelters in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Nicole was just awarded the 2023 Woman of Distinctions award from the 56th District Assemblymember. Nicole received her MLS degree from Long Island University and has been working in the library field for over 20 years.

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