Program Type:
Webinar SeriesProgram Description
Event Details
This session will examine the ways in which public libraries mitigate risk in the lives of all patrons, with particular attention paid to vulnerable populations. Many of us believe that books and libraries are life-changing; for folks coping with extreme difficulties, libraries can also be lifesaving. We will define and consider our work through this lens and consider the ways in which it can reshape our service to patrons who are struggling.
__________________________
Session #3 – Wednesday, February 8 @ noon: Approaching Patrons Who Have Experienced Trauma
Even before the events of 2020 and 2021, most of us had experienced trauma. Today, we are only beginning to understand the impact of recent events on the mental and emotional health of our communities. However, research is indicating widespread trauma responses in our society including increased cigarette sales, rising opioid overdoses, and other societal ills. How can libraries continue to meet the needs of our communities given these escalating challenges? This session will provide a brief overview of trauma and its subsequent behavioral responses in the library. We will focus on physically approaching patrons in a compassionate, trauma-informed manner with the goals of increasing felt safety in our libraries and mitigating confrontation.
Session #4 – Tuesday, March 7 @ 1:30 PM: The Connected Library: Vetting and Partnering with Social Service Providers
As we have witnessed the social, financial, and mental health challenges of our patrons escalate during the covid-19 pandemic, libraries must connect and build relationships with local providers focused on these needs so that we may serve our communities as effectively as possible. This session will explore why it is imperative that libraries connect with social service providers in their communities, how to cultivate these connections, and tips to make sure the agencies you work with are effective, ethical partners.
Session #5 – Wednesday, April 12 @ noon: I See You: The Strengths-Based Perspective in Public Service
Think of a time when a friend or loved one built up your confidence and made you feel understood. What did they say? What was their tone? What did they notice in you? Did they focus on your faults or did they emphasize your strengths? Often, our world tends to focus on problems, pointing out faults before recognizing resilience. Choosing to focus first on strengths rather than deficits is called a strengths-based perspective and it has the potential to shift both our work as public servants as well as the ways in which we see our patrons. This session will introduce the strengths-based perspective, examine its use in a world that is often problem-focused, and discuss the ways in which focusing on the strengths of our patrons can help empower our communities.
__________________________
This webinar series is intended for library staff at all levels.
Wondering if you have to sign up for the whole series, or if you can pick and choose webinars? While we recommend taking part in the whole series, we have set it up so participants can sign up for individual weeks if that works best for their schedule.
Attendance in each session is limited to the first 50 people who join a session.
Speaker’s slides will be available the morning of each webinar session.
CALL Training Partner for this Event: Infopeople
Additional Information
Recording
If you're unable to attend the live event, a recording will be distributed after the event.