Creating a Community of Practice with Intentional Communication

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.

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.

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.

**NOTE**: Access information for this learning event will be sent to all registrants by American Library Association before the start of the event. In order to take this course/attend this webinar you will need to create (or use an existing) ALA account to proceed. It is free to create an account and you do not need to be an ALA member. If you do not wish to create an ALA account please cancel your registration.

CALL Training Partner for this Event: American Library Association