“The most important asset of any library goes home at night - the library staff.”
– Timothy Healy
Passion. Experience. Care
Libraries are the bedrock of any community. They are open for all. They offer space for the most vulnerable and marginalized populations where they are welcomed and safe. With this inclusivity, comes challenges - including safety and security.
I believe well trained and empowered staff that are supported by leadership are the pillars of the library. I also believe having a safe library does not always mean calling 911 or having police or security in the buildings. Creating an environment where staff are empowered to manage their spaces is one strategy library leadership can use to create safety for staff and patrons. This includes providing tools and training, including staff in decision making, and allowing those who work on the public floor to be a part of the solutions.
Security officers can be a successful strategy if we prioritize developing them with library philosophy as their foundation. Centering our goal to keep patrons successfully using the library can shift our mindset to how we address behavior in our spaces. How can we work to support library security to be a part of the solution by positively interacting and creating spaces where patrons feel safe and welcome despite their presence.
The urbanization of communities, lack of community resources and social services in combination with an increase in need has led to libraries being a place many come for support. Many patrons and staff struggle with the shifting expectations and feel inadequate and unsupported to address the increase in incidents and safety and security issues.
My approach is strengths based to support you and your staff groups to feel confident in the library, provide safe spaces for both patrons and staff, and create a place of belonging for all community members. I value taking a holistic approach to creating safe spaces which include strong community relationships, inclusive policies, and empowered staff.
Let’s explore together how to manage the library environment through building relationships.