Slow Librarianship: Incorporating Mindfulness into Library Work and Services

September 16 - October 27, 2024 | Six-week online course

Vaile Fujikawa developed slow librarianship over the past eight years after experiencing professional burnout. Like many of us, Vaile felt an overwhelming pressure to do and know everything immediately.

Slow librarianship is about being intentional in your actions, modeling the behavior you want to see for users and staff, and being open to learning and change. Some of the core principles include the rejection of urgency culture; the creation of truly safe spaces (what that means and how it's done) for staff and users to learn and explore together and independently; unconditional positive regard; and taking a strengths-based, relational approach.

Over the course of six weeks, Vaile will introduce attendees to the concepts she has developed and practices in her professional and personal life. These can help lead learners to a more balanced approach to work and living. This class will empower participants to act intentionally, take their time, and foster agency in themselves, their staff, and their library's users.

Outcomes will be measured through the completion of assigned readings, online discussions, one project-based assessment, and self-reporting.

By participating in this course, participants will

• Be able to integrate at least one principle of slow librarianship into their professional practice. 
• Learn at least three new strategies to help them slow down in their professional practice. 
• Develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with themselves, staff, patrons, and the community.

Course Outline

• Week 1: Introduction to Slow Librarianship
  • Introductions
  • Overview of Slow Librarianship Principles
  • Context and Development
  • Importance of Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced Environment
  • Reflecting on Personal Practices and Challenges
• Week 2: Creating Safe Spaces
  • Inclusive Library Spaces for Staff and Users
  • Addressing Equity and Diversity in Library Services
  • Practical Approaches to Fostering Safe Learning Environments
  • Incorporating Slow Librarianship into Programming
• Week 3: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
  • Understanding Ego
  • Recognizing and Mitigating Privilege
  • Practical Strategies for Ego- and Privilege-Aware Libraries
• Week 4: Openness to Learning
  • Embracing a Growth Mindset
  • Lifelong Learning Strategies for Librarians
  • Building a Culture of Curiosity and Exploration
• Week 5: Rejection of Urgency Culture
  • Critiquing Urgency in Library Practices
  • Time Management Strategies for Sustainable Workloads
  • Balancing Priorities and Setting Realistic Expectations
  • Implementing Slow Practices in Daily Work
• Week 6: Model the Behavior You'd Like to See
  • Leadership and Modeling Slow Practices
  • Mentorship in Slow Librarianship
  • Developing a Personal Action Plan for Continued Slow Implementation
  • Q&A and Closing Thoughts

Presenter: Passionate advocate for slow librarianship, Vaile Fujikawa is a seasoned Librarian with an MLIS and Master of Arts in Teaching. With eight years of experience developing and implementing the principles of slow librarianship, and over a decade of experience in libraries, Vaile challenges urgency culture and promotes a balanced, sustainable approach. Currently the Program Manager of the Government Information Center at San Francisco Public Library, Vaile actively fosters community relationships and strives toward creating a more equitable, accessible workplace.

**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