For my infinite learning reflection, I wanted to focus on professional learning experiences and development of skills for library staff. As stated by Professor Stephens in the lecture, “We should ALWAYS be learning. Always look to improve your practice” (Panopto, 2022).
While I believe that conferences and meetings are obviously beneficial to a library worker’s career, it is also important for librarians to feel seen and appreciated, and to have time to learn in a more relaxed, fun state.
Library workers face a lot of stress at work, which can harm their well-being and damage their work capabilities. Library workers deal with rude customers, fatigue, short staffing, poor management, and much more (Simon, 2020). To help cope with this, it is so important to have staff building days and activities to help combat this stress – and to make it welcoming and fun!
(ABOVE: a video showcasing all the different ways that Oak Park Public Library in Illinois helps their staff develop skills and grow in their profession as a team)
Staff development days are simply when the library staff comes together when it is closed to learn anything that might help them grow in their career and as a person. This helps the library and staff remain at a “healthy state” (Stephens, 2016). These days could involve anything from having a potluck and sharing something you’ve learned in the past week, to having yoga classes and going over stress reduction techniques.
Ames Public Library in Iowa has a Library Staff Day that is a great example of this. They provide a day of learning just for staff – which allows them to connect, learn, and have fun. They go over initiatives and plans, have guest speakers, review their achievements, have break-out sessions, talk about self-care, take part in games and scavenger hunts, and take group photos (Schofer, 2023). They do all of these activities that help the staff grow, but allows them to relax and have fun while doing it, and also feel appreciated for their work.
@chplibrarynj Find out what we really do at Staff Development Day! Check out out ukuleles – available in our Library of Things. You never know what you will find at CHPL! #cherryhillnj #cherryhill #nj #library #librarytiktok #cherryhillnewjersey
(ABOVE: a video showcasing moments from Staff Development Day at Cherry Hill Public Library in New Jersey)
To keep the staff learning going, these development days should not be limited to once a year. These development days should be consistent and often. It is also a fun idea to set up a “library for your librarians”, in a private office area (Pan, 2024). This could be a space with learning activities, staff idea boards, books and resources on libraries, and more. It could also be a space where library workers can “get away” for a little bit and take time to collaborate and have private discussions with coworkers.
However your library sees fit, it is important to have staff development days and exercises. Library workers experience stress quite often, and to keep the staff at their best state, they must be recognized and have help with ways to cope. It is also important that the staff is always learning and growing, to help serve their communities better and provide the best services possible.
References:
Pan, N. (2024, May 29). Setting up an office library for your team. aceofficesystems.com. https://aceofficesystems.com/blogs/news/setting-up-an-office-library-for-your-team
Panopto. (2022). Professional Learning Experiences (Update). Retrieved November 14, 2024, from https://sjsu-ischool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=bff73e26-45aa-4407-bb54-b14a015304f4.
Schofer, S. (2023, February 23). Library staff day. Ames Public Library. https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/node/41092
Simon, K. (2020). Emotional labor, stressors, and librarians who work with the public. School of Information Student Research Journal, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.31979/2575-2499.100106
Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change. ALA Editions.
@inabookbind I love that you turned inward for this reflection! I agree that librarians who are happy and healthy will serve their communities better, so it’s mutually beneficial to grant staff time for self-care and peer connection. My library holds staff days with guest speakers, breakout sessions, and yummy treats, but it’s only once a year! It seems that the effects can wane over time, so I think it’s an important point to hold them more frequently in whatever capacity a library can manage.
Hi @inabookbind,
I really appreciate your post emphasizing on the importance of a fun and enjoyable staff learning experience that actually focuses on workers’ well-being (in particular their mental health) rather than exclusively focusing on patrons’ wants and needs. This is such an essential topic!
The examples you shared, like the Oak Park Public Library and the Cherry Hill Public Library’s staff day, look absolutely fantastic and really inspiring. I wish there were more libraries prioritizing their employees’ growth and wellness with more than just the annual staff development day. I think they should take place at least once a month, because investing in the staff not only improves workplace morale but actually leads to greater community service in the long haul. Aka, a win-win situation!!