Through consultation, collaboration, and training, I take a holistic approach that focuses on the three layers of library service that staff and leadership do have control over:

Space - Evaluate accessibility, sight lines, environmental modification to affect change

Humans (staff) - Empower staff through thoughtful training; understand human behavior and what each of us brings to the interaction

Organization - Evaluate library policies, explore organizational culture and philosophy

Services Provided

  • Consultation and Evaluation

    Sometimes the best solutions come from a different perspective. I tend to see things through fresh eyes and offer an alternate viewpoint which will lead to thinking creatively about possible outcomes.

    With a fresh perspective, I provide consultation services to explore holistic approaches to addressing common areas for growth and development. Together in collaboration we will assess and evaluate current library philosophy and approaches in the various areas.

    Areas of focus:

    Managing the library environment

    Reviewing current library use policies

    Strengthening community relationships

    Creating safe and welcoming spaces for staff and patrons

  • Staff Support and Wellness

    Working in challenging library environments can have a negative impact on staff’s overall health and wellbeing.

    Staff bring their whole selves to work each day and ensuring and supporting whole health is vital to creating a welcoming space for staff.

    When staff feel supported, they are more likely to support others well. However, support is more than annual performance reviews, or check-ins.

    I will work with you and your teams to assess ways you can empower staff and increase morale. We will identify strategies for creating systems for supporting staff holistic wellness.

  • Critical Incident Debrief

    The impact of a stressful or traumatic event in the library can have lasting effects on staff physically, emotionally, and mentally which ultimately impacts how they show up at work.

    Offering debriefing to staff after significant events can mitigate the impacts of distressing situations and assist in the recovery of the stress. In addition, it provides and opportunity to review and assess policies and practices to ensure ongoing safety of staff and patrons.

    I will work with you to identify needs and develop a structure for Critical Incident Response within your organization.

  • Training

    An effective strategy to support staff safety, develop skills, and build confidence is to provide effective and relevant training. Well trained staff who are confident and empowered to manage their space are the greatest assets in the library.

    Supervisors play a vital role in supporting staff development. We will establish what the role of the supervisor is and outlining expectations for how they will support their staff before, during, and after training.

    Through collaboration, I will work with your team to identify training needs and develop training for your organization.

    Topics include:

    Boundaries for Library Staff

    Managing Library Spaces (De-escalation)

    Professional Wellness

    Incident Debriefing

“If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts—so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people—we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.”

—   Brene Brown