Practical Approaches for Librarians Navigating Anxiety and Uncertainty

Since 2020, the world has experienced significant, unpredictable changes. Both man-made and natural crises have created high-pressure environments where librarians must balance feelings of dread and anxiety for the unknown with serving their communities, managing diverse needs, and adapting to constant change. The demands of the job, combined with external stressors like uncertainty and the fear of the unknown, can lead to emotional exhaustion and heightened feelings of anxiety.

This Masterclass equips librarians with practical tools and approaches to navigate these challenges with confidence and well-being. By learning strategies for managing high anxiety, maintaining mental balance, and embracing adaptability, librarians can better support themselves and the communities they serve.

The class introduces actionable methods historically used, worldwide, to help individuals thrive even in uncertain and high-anxiety situations. Through a focus on simple yet powerful strategies, attendees will explore tools to manage emotions, create a sense of control, foster supportive connections, and maintain a hopeful mindset. By cultivating a sense of purpose and embracing change, librarians can continue to serve their communities effectively, compassionately, and with resilience. This session aims to empower librarians to face evolving circumstances with strength, clarity, and a positive outlook, ensuring their well-being while maintaining their essential roles in the community.

Participants will create a personalized “Wellness Empowerment Toolkit” including sections on emotional management tools, purpose and focus strategies, support network building, hope and future-focused thinking, and custom AI and online resources. The kit reflects the core strategies for managing anxiety and uncertainty, and maintaining well-being including sections with practical tools that librarians can refer to in high-pressure situations to stay focused, positive, and grounded.

This 60-minute training is presented by Library 2.0 and hosted by Loida Garcia-Febo. A handout copy of the presentation slides will be available to all who participate.

OUTCOMES:

• Attendees will learn practical techniques for managing emotions in high-pressure circumstances
• Attendees will explore how to maintain a strong sense of purpose
• Attendees will learn strategies for building and strengthening support networks
• Attendees will discover how to cultivate adaptability and a positive mindset
• Attendees will explore harnessing hope and long-term focus
• Attendees will create a personalized “Wellness Empowerment Toolkit” including AI for wellness resources

Presenter:

LOIDA GARCIA-FEBO

Loida Garcia-Febo is a Puerto Rican American librarian and International Library Consultant with 25 years of experience as an expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. Garcia-Febo is worldwide known for her passion about diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness for library workers, and new librarians about which she has taught in 44 countries. In her job, she helps libraries, companies and organizations strategize programs, services and strategies in areas related to these topics and many others. Garcia-Febo has a Bachelors in Business Education, Masters in Library and Information Sciences.

Garcia-Febo has a long history of service with library associations. Highlights include- At IFLA: Governing Board 2013-2017, Co-Founder of IFLA New Professionals, two-term Member/Expert resource person of the Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee of IFLA (FAIFE), two-term member of the Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section of IFLA (CPDWL). Currently: CPDWL Advisor, Information Coordinator of the Management of Library Associations Section. Currently at ALA: Chair, IRC United Nations Subcommittee, Chair Public Awareness Committee. Recently at ALA: Chair, Status of Women in Librarianship and Chair, ALA United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Task Force developing a multi-year strategic plan for ALA. Born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico, Garcia-Febo has advocated for libraries at the United Nations, the European Union Parliament, U.S. Congress, NY State Senate, NY City Hall, and on sidewalks and streets in various states in the U.S.

CALL Training Partner: Library 2.0