Filled with beneficial advice on every page, this resource will help libraries be better workplaces for everyone.
Like other workplaces, libraries can sometimes be stressful, with library workers bearing the brunt of such problems as uncivil patrons, poor communication, inadequate leadership, and toxic behaviors by fellow employees. But there's hope. Following up their acclaimed examination of the dysfunctional library ("should be essential reading for library leaders" raves Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association), here the authors present a book of proactive solutions and guidance culled from their own research, including interviews with library administrators and staff. Sharing valuable insights that will stimulate thought and discussion towards the goal of a healthier and more harmonious workplace, this book
- addresses the subject from four viewpoints—individual, team, leader, and organization—focusing on solutions and practical steps in each area;
- shows how self-reflection and self-awareness can be key starting points for exploring workplace issues;
- offers numerous suggestions for wellness and self-care;
- provides tips for improving interpersonal communication and conversations in ways that prevent silos and span boundaries;
- sheds light on forming and sustaining cohesive library teams, then provides solutions for misaligned teams and dissenters;
- discusses why effectively conveying vision, role modeling, and demonstrating empathy are all crucial behaviors of library leaders;
- shares actions library leaders can take to engage employees in the change process;
- examines how organizational structures can either detract or contribute to a library’s success; and
- details types of training that can be utilized to minimize dysfunction, including training for bias, empathy, conflict management, and diversity.
Filled with beneficial advice on every page, this resource will help libraries be better workplaces for everyone.
In this follow-up to their book The Dysfunctional Library: Challenges and Solutions to Workplace Relationships, the authors provide solutions to improve dysfunctional libraries. They address individual issues related to understanding oneself, interpersonal communication, interpersonal conflicts, and wellness and self-care; teamwork issues, including team formation, promoting communication, and different communication methods; solutions for leaders in relation to self-awareness, the skills of authenticity, conveying vision, role-modeling, empathy, communication, conflict management, facilitating collaboration, and managing resistance to change; and solutions for organizations, including assembling and hiring the right library staff, providing organizational structure, developing a trusting workplace environment, and training that can be used to minimize dysfunction, including training for bias, empathy, conflict management, and diversity. Annotation ©2020 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
