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DTSTART:20260415T180000Z
DTEND:20260415T190000Z
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SUMMARY:The Power of Boundaries (ALA Webinar)
DESCRIPTION: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. 
 \n\nPlease 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. 
 \n\n\nDescription\n\nWorking in a public library means delivering excellent 
 service while managing a wide range of behaviors and expectations. “The 
 Power of Boundaries” is a practical\, empowering training designed to 
 help library staff establish and maintain clear\, respectful boundaries 
 that support both positive patron experiences and staff well-being. 
 \n\nThis webinar will explore why boundaries matter in public service and 
 how they contribute to a safer\, more sustainable work environment. We will 
 examine common scenarios—such as inappropriate questions\, 
 overfamiliarity\, or emotionally intense interactions—and provide tools 
 and language to help staff respond effectively and professionally. 
 Participants will reflect on their own boundaries\, practice strategies for 
 assertive communication\, and share ideas with peers in a supportive 
 setting. \n\nBoundaries are not about being rigid or unkind. They help 
 create clarity\, mutual respect\, and healthy interactions. When staff have 
 the tools to maintain boundaries with confidence and care\, they are better 
 equipped to serve the public while also protecting their own mental and 
 emotional health. This training encourages reflection\, peer support\, and 
 real-world application of techniques to build resilience and 
 self-awareness. \n\nWhether you are new to library work or a seasoned 
 professional\, this webinar offers approachable\, realistic strategies to 
 help you stay grounded and confident in your daily 
 interactions.\n\n\n\nLearning Outcomes\n\nAt the conclusion of this 
 webinar\, participants will be able to:\n\n\n	Understand the role and 
 importance of boundaries in creating respectful\, safe\, and sustainable 
 interactions with library patrons\;\n	Develop and practice language and 
 strategies for setting and maintaining professional boundaries during 
 challenging or uncomfortable situations\; and\n	Increase self-awareness and 
 confidence in navigating emotional\, behavioral\, and interpersonal 
 dynamics while maintaining excellent public service.\n\n\n\n\nWho Should 
 Attend\n\nThis webinar is intended for all public library staff\, including 
 front-line employees\, supervisors\, and administrators. It is especially 
 relevant for staff who engage directly with the public\, such as those 
 working in circulation\, reference\, youth services\, and outreach. Library 
 leaders interested in fostering a healthier workplace culture will also 
 benefit from attending.\n\n\n\nPresenter\n\nJulia Parsons is the director 
 of Shasta Public Libraries\, serving a diverse and rural community in 
 Northern California. With a background in ethnic studies and a deep 
 commitment to equity and inclusion\, Julia brings a thoughtful\, 
 people-centered approach to public library leadership. She is a 
 first-generation college graduate and a passionate advocate for mental 
 health\, neurodiversity\, and creating emotionally safe library spaces for 
 both staff and patrons. Julia has led staff development efforts focused on 
 resilience\, boundaries\, and community engagement\, and she believes 
 strongly in the power of libraries to foster belonging and access. With 
 experience in front-line service\, management\, and system-wide planning\, 
 she offers practical insights rooted in real-world experience. Julia is 
 especially interested in supporting emerging leaders and building 
 sustainable\, supportive workplace cultures in public 
 libraries.\n\n\n\nAccessibility Information\n\nIf you have questions or 
 requests regarding accessibility\, contact plawebinars@ala.org or 
 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).
LOCATION:Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="Learning Services":MAILTO:learn@masslibsystem.org
CATEGORIES:Vendor Webinar - ALA
CONTACT;CN="Learning Services":MAILTO:learn@masslibsystem.org
STATUS:CONFIRMED
UID:LibCal-16672757
URL:https://calendar.masslibsystem.org/event/16672757
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