Supporting Neurodiverse and Atypical Leadership in Libraries

Introvert, ADHD, neuroatypical, oh my! The percentage of the population identifying as neurodiverse or atypical is rising. This may describe you, someone you work work with, or someone you’re looking to hire. When considering diversity and inclusion in your library, we need to be willing to challenge leadership stereotypes and advocate for neurodiverse or atypical managers. In this webinar, atypical managers from various public library departments will share their experiences to help you learn strategies for success, gain tools for immediate action, and techniques for self-acceptance. It’s time to stop hiding these perceived weaknesses and unleash their superpowers!

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Learn to identify tools to support and celebrate yourself and your staff; and
• Identify at least three strategies for being a successful atypical manager.

Who Should Attend: This webinar is intended for all public library staff, especially hiring managers.

Presenters:

Steph Nielsen (she/her) has worked for over fifteen years for vendors and public libraries managing and creating collections for children and teens. She is currently the acquisitions manager at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, IL. Steph has run regional professional development groups for children's collection development, as well as has been a member of the Bluestem Awards for Illinois readers grades 3–5. She is a self-identified introvert whose three children have Star Trek inspired names.

Melissa Bernasek (she/her) is an introverted and atypical department leader focused on training, documentation, and supporting workers so they can thrive. Her full-time role is managing the information services and digital services departments at Gail Borden Public Library District. Melissa also serves as adjunct instructor for the School of Information Studies at Dominican University in River Forest, IL. She likes plants more than most people.

Billie Jo Moffett (she/her) currently works at Gail Borden Public Library as director of Studio 270, High School Teen Center and Digital Media Lab, where she enjoys using her skills and talents to help teens learn emerging technologies, create art in physical and digital mediums, and even help with calculus homework from time to time. Billie is working to strengthen partnerships with the community and teens as a member of the Alignment Collaborative for Education’s (ACE) Alignment A-Teams for Educational Pathways and Trauma Informed Care, and as an ACE Interface Trainer. She’s also a member of the Restorative Practice Subcommittee for the Juvenile Justice Council of Kane County; as well as partnering with the City of Elgin, the YWCA, and Youth Outlook. When not at the library, Billie is traveling with her husband, sewing, and hanging out with her three Basset Hounds.

**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