The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we are working with LibraryWorks to provide our members with access to their webinars.  These webinars are free to Massachusetts library workers who register through our calendar. 

• Please note: To attend these webinars at no cost, you must register here. If you register directly with LibraryWorks, your registration will not be paid by MLS. 
• 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:

Frontline library staff face significant occupational stress due to factors like managing high volumes of interactions, resolving recurring issues, handling emotional labor, and dealing with angry patrons whileoften lacking authority in decision-making. Additionally, staff may experience micromanagement, be assigned uncomfortable roles, and struggle with limited career growth. Despite these challenges, many of us continue in the field because the work is meaningful and unique. However, it’s essential to recognize when the stress becomes overwhelming.

This webinar will discuss how to recognize when the challenges need to be addressed, how to address them, and allow yourself to reset expectations from yourself and others.

By attending this session, you will:

• Learn to recognize when expectations are unreasonable
• Develop strategies for communicating and managing expectations with patrons and supervisors
• Practice setting and enforcing boundaries with patrons
• Develop a team mindset with coworkers to provide a support system

Presenter:

Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services Librarian and Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University (APU). Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and library studies including library management. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for libraries.