Microaggressions: What They are and Why They are so Harmful

Join members of the Baltimore County Public Library’s system-wide Black Library Workers Affinity Group as they explore the phenomenon of microaggressions in the workplace, shedding light on the subtle forms of discrimination and their impact on individuals and organizational culture. In this webinar, examine how seemingly harmless comments or actions can perpetuate biases and marginalize certain groups, hindering productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. Through real-life examples and research backed insights, participants will gain awareness of the different types of microaggressions and how to address them.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe what microaggressions are;
• Describe why microaggressions are harmful, especially in the workplace; and
• Identify 1–3 ways to address microaggressions in the workplace.

Who Should Attend

This webinar is intended for all public library staff.

Panelists

Shirley Mason is the circulation manager at the Woodlawn Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL). She currently serves on the steering committee of BCPL's Black Library Workers Affinity Group. Shirley is also a member of the Maryland Library Association Equity, Diversity and Inclusion panel. Her passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are woven into every aspect of her work in libraries.

Micheal Jackson is the assistant branch manager at the Towson Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. He is a member of the steering committee on BCPL's Black Library Workers Affinity Group and is very active in the Towson Branch diversity, equity, and inclusion team—leading various conversations on diversity with staff within his branch.

Robert Mason is a library supervisor at the Pikesville Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. He serves as a steering committee on BCPL's Black Library Workers Affinity Group and the Maryland State Library's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Community of Practice group. Robert also presented at the 11th National Conference of African American Librarians (2021), with Anti-Racism storytimes being the topic of discussion.

More information

**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