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February 19, 2019 Page 1 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
Library Board
Meeting Date: February 12, 2019
Submitted by: Liz Adema, Interim Director of Library Services
SUBJECT: ONTARIO LIBRARY SUPER CONFERENCE 2019 – STAFF
REPORTS
BACKGROUND:
The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is Canada’s largest library organization and
OLA’s Super Conference is Canada’s largest professional development and continuing
education event in librarianship. Super Conference features the country’s largest library
tradeshow, bringing together over 200 firms to show off the latest technologies, trends,
services and programs. The theme of Super Conference 2019 was Powered by the
People, and the program consisted of hundreds of inspiring and informative sessions
Library staff who attended have provided a brief description of their conference
experiences. All staff would like to thank the Library Board for the opportunity to attend
Super Conference 2019 and further their professional development.
ANALYSIS:
Liz Adema – Interim Director of Library Services
I attended two days at the conference and the sessions I participated in had similar
themes of Indigenous communities, mental health & resiliency, and customer service
and experience. The session “Settler Colonization and Decolonization in Ontario Public
Libraries” outlined the key recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Report
for libraries to adopt. These include acknowledging land stewardship, decolonizing
collections, spaces, and services, adopting inclusive and diverse programming, and
celebrating First Nations Public Library Week and National Aboriginal Day in partnership
with local Nations. Further action on these recommendations will be coming in the next
few months.
The session “Connecting to Indigenous Communities Through Film” demonstrated a
partnership between the public library, museum, and Wyandot nation. Through the
partnership a film of the history and exploration of a local archaeological site wasFebruary 19, 2019 Page 2 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
created. The partnership also resulted in the creation of a virtual reality tour of the
museum’s collections and a tour of a sacred site. These virtual reality tours have
allowed individuals across Canada and the United States the opportunity to engage with
their history and sacred beliefs without the barriers to access of physical mobility and
location. It was a fascinating glimpse into how libraries can use new technologies to
engage a larger community.
“Your Brand is More than a Logo: Modernizing Customer Experience” and “How Retail
is the Library” focused on customer experience as the primary goal of library services.
These should be centred on the how, where, and why of our customers’ wants and
needs. The library needs to engage with customers on their terms both physically and
digitally. Both sessions provided a wealth of ideas and practices to draw upon for our
system and the Library Services Review.
Ensuring that our patrons and staff are supported through mental health issues and
access to resources is a growing concern in our library system. As we work on
partnerships with social services and the Canadian Mental Health Association, the
library needs to ensure equal and equitable access for all patrons as well as supporting
and managing our staff needs and experiences. The sessions “How Libraries and
Librarians Can Champion Mental Health”, “How to Implement a Workplace Mental
Health Program in Your Library”, and “Dismantling the Resilience Narrative: Honest Talk
about Burnout, Morale Issues, and Negative Workplace Culture in our Libraries”
provided practical steps, guidelines, and benchmarks to ensure the wellbeing of our
staff and patrons.
Mallory Austin – Library Technologies Specialist
The first session I attended at OLA this year was “Big Decisions with Big Data: Using
Environics to Inform Library Marketing Strategy.” Environics is a subscription based
data marketing service that allows institutions to see which populations they are serving
well and which they need to target. Underserved populations are identified by
comparing the index to a target number. Environics is an expensive product, but Bruce
County Public Library was able to collaborate with the municipal planning department to
gain access to an existing subscription.
During “Settler Colonization and Decolonization in Ontario Public Libraries: A Road
Forward”, I learned some important information about Truth and Reconciliation. As our
ILS administrator, I want to understand and address some of the structural biases that
create barriers to access for indigenous peoples in our community. For example, I was
surprised to learn that in Dewey, First Nations’ creation stories are catalogued as
“Literature – Myth.” The facilitators convincingly argued that these materials should go
in the religious section.February 19, 2019 Page 3 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
In “Hacking Vendor Apps to Improve Usability”, I learned some custom JavaScript code
that can be used to modify, hide and replace the content displayed on many vendor
apps. I also learned some shortcuts to improve my coding workflow.
In “Transforming Your Library into a STEAM Learning Hub Through Camps”, I learned
about Markham Public Library ‘s paid day camp program that focuses on STEAM
programming for kids. Through the program, the library generates some revenue and
subsidizes technology program assets that they can use year-round. While this program
is large-scale and staff intensive, it was cool to see the specific programs they are
offering. I learned that Lego has new app for kids (WeDo 2.0) and about a popular new
animation program for kids using StickBots. I hope to investigate both program ideas in
2019.
In “Data Skills for 21st Century Library Practice”, I gained an understanding of some of
the challenges libraries face in getting the information we need out of proprietary
databases. The session discussed information management techniques but ultimately
focused on the importance of supporting open source data systems that allow for more
complex custom queries.
One of the most useful sessions I attended was called “Making a Better
Computing/Printing/Wi-Fi Experience in Your Library”, facilitated by staff from Toronto
Public Library. TPL embarked on a project in the past year to improve printing services
across their 100+ branches. They implemented Wi-Fi printing (the software they chose
was SAM by Comprise). They also reduced the number of printers system wide by
encouraging staff to print from public printers and removing public barriers to them.
TPL encourages libraries across Ontario to do Internet Speed tests in each branch and
compare that with the services we are paying for. TPL also promoted a new toolkit to
assess technology impact in Ontario Public Libraries. The BRIDGE Toolkit helps
libraries capture and analyze performance/outcome data on the technology services we
offer. This product is currently in beta status, but I have reached out to express an
interest and will be monitoring it for future developments.
During “Empowering Programming for Girls”, I learned about the importance of creating
programming that welcomes girls and non-binary identified children. Several great ideas
and best practices came up during this interactive session.
“Reading beyond Dementia” provided an evidence-based approach for providing books
and services for those living with dementia. They stated that dementia rates have gone
up 30% in the past decade. We can take many steps to serve this important population
and give them access to enjoyable books. We saw examples of dementia friendly
books, which have been created based on eye movement studies, and are available for
purchase.February 19, 2019 Page 4 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
Another great session was “A Hard Look in the Mirror- Reflecting on the Role of the
Librarian”. Staff from Greater Victoria Public Library discussed an innovative staffing
model they have adopted, wherein their librarians all have the title of “Public Services
Librarian” and rotate through different job responsibilities every three years. This keeps
the staff on their toes, and means that everyone documents their jobs extensively. The
staff believe that this new model has led to better outcomes as fresh perspectives rotate
into the various job responsibilities at GVPL.
The keynote sessions this year were great. One thing I really appreciated this year was
seeing a greater focus on Truth and Reconciliation for indigenous people - a Chief with
some fantastic insights opened the Wednesday keynote on activism. The vendor floor
this year was also great – I had an opportunity to discuss Sierra with some Innovative
representatives and provide some feedback as a customer.
Marilyn Bezzina – Parkhill Branch Assistant
I attended 5 sessions on Wednesday, January 30.
The first session presented the idea of library Maker Spaces evolving into Solution
Spaces. Brian Pichman, (Director of Strategic Innovation, Evolve Project), discussed
the UN’s 17 Sustainability Goals for our planet and how public libraries can become
partners with communities and with businesses in finding innovative solutions to the
problems we face. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-
development-goals/
My next session was presented by two school librarians, Jess Longthorne and Jacquie
Raycraft, who shared their experience in taking students outside for Story Walks. The
presenters described the many benefits for children being outdoors and their
enthusiastic response to this novel way of reading a story.
https://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/storywalk
The third session was focused on Accessibility in Ontario Libraries, presented by
Geordie Gibbon, from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. The key takeaway from
this session, for me, was the idea that the definition of disability is changing to include
mental health issues. Disabilities are not always visible or obvious!
The next session was about the library and digital privacy. Not only do libraries have to
protect the information our patrons share with us, but we need to be sure that our
website is secure and that all of our third party partners, such as Hoopla, are also held
to the same standards of privacy. The presenter, Adam Peltier from Windsor PL, holds
workshops for library users to learn valuable information on protecting themselves from
online data mining, surveillance, hacking, and the like. He shared a resource for us to
get started on educating ourselves or https://libraryfreedomproject.org/resources/February 19, 2019 Page 5 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
My fifth and final session of my day at OLA Super Conference, was Transforming Your
Library into a S.T.E.A.M. Learning Hub through Camps. S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Three people from Markham Public Library
(David Zambrano, Christopher Su and Kate Wetmore) shared their experience in
running S.T.E.A.M. camps. This kind of hands-on learning supports both convergent
and divergent thinking in kids, encourages ingenuity, and prepares them to think
creatively and collaboratively.
Chris Harrington – Reference Librarian
I was very fortunate to be able to attend the full conference this year. I attended several
excellent sessions. Below are a few of these highlights.
On Wednesday, I sat in on the session “How Libraries and Librarians Can Champion
Mental Health” that was presented by staff from Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) and
London Public Library (LPL). TBPL advocated to question our old assumptions that
public libraries are only for customers looking to read, learn, and use traditional library
service. They had success with a community-led approach to library service and the
need to allow library staff to get out of the library and meet with the community to ask
them how best the library can serve the needs of the community. LPL spoke about the
mental health and vulnerable populations that they serve in both their urban and
community branches. LPL has adopted a “User First” philosophy which allows library
staff to provide customer service to individuals based on the customer’s individual
needs. User First can take the form of allowing library patrons that do not have proof of
address to obtain a ‘connect card’ that allows them to use public Internet computers as
well as to borrow up to 3 items. Library staff at LPL have the ability to waive fines if they
feel that fines are an undue hardship for the patron. All good points to consider as more
County library branches are observing homelessness in our Middlesex County
communities.
On Thursday, a memorable session was titled “Beyond Walls: Using Technology to
Expand Horizons”. This session was put on by Milton Public Library (MPL). MPL spoke
about two very creative library programs that were conducted using library outreach and
technology. The first was a senior citizens program in which MPL staff took virtual
reality (VR) viewers on Samsung Galaxy devices combined with the paid subscription to
Rendever that allows for the VR experience and multiple viewing controlled by the
library staff member to various seniors’ homes. This VR experience allows for brain
activity in seniors, triggers recall, and due to the Rendever subscription, everyone is
experiencing the same VR together so it is a shared experience that can be discussed
as a group. The second outreach program that was mentioned was an outreach
program at the Milton correctional facility prison in which inmates read and recorded
themselves reading a storytime book that was recorded by library staff and later mailedFebruary 19, 2019 Page 6 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
to the prisoner’s child. The session was a good reminder that public libraries can help
break down many different walls when there is a commitment to going out into our
communities with outreach.
On Friday, an extraordinary session that I attended was titled “Not All Those Who
Wander Are Lost”. This was presented by Heather Casson, a library technician
working with Toronto Public Library. Heather shared her experiences of growing up in
poverty and being a homeless teen and gave a very interesting first-hand glimpse of
what living with precarious housing and poverty is like. Casson provided ten very
practical ways that public libraries can provide service to patrons experiencing
homelessness including acknowledging them and providing library space for targeted
displays, programming, and readers advisory. Attendees left with a handout that
included suggested books and a template for a handout directing library customers to
call numbers in the stacks that would assist those experiencing homelessness.
Vanessa Jenner – Interim Strathroy Branch Supervisor
I attended three Friday sessions at OLA this year: Work Less Accomplish More, Why
Are We All So Tired? and Student Mental Health. The session that impacted me the
most was “Work Less, Accomplish More: Strategies for Maximizing your Productivity
and Prioritizing Self-Care” presented by Jacqueline Kreller-Vanderkooy.
Six months ago I took on the responsibility of Interim Supervisor at the Strathroy Library
while Jean Moir secondment a maternity leave at library office. I am getting a handle on
all the duties and responsibilities of being a supervisor. However, the many
interruptions during the day take a toll on my output. I really want to find ways to
maximize my productivity. This session focused on exactly that.
Jacqueline Kreller-Vanderkooy is a Learning and Curriculum Support Librarian at the
University of Guelph. Jacqueline asked us to decide what are the most important jobs
we had to do each day. For me it’s providing excellent customer service to our patrons,
looking after my staff and keeping four weeks of the staff schedule posted. She
suggested five ways for getting this done.
1. Track my time for one day, to see where my time goes.
2. Set up efficient systems for repeat tasks
3. Lower my standards
4. Do deep work when my energy is high and shallow work when my energy is low
5. Reinvest saved time wisely
She also had great ideas for cultivating focus such as creating a routine that switches
my mindset to focus on work. She suggests that every work day have a hard end time
and that I need to be mindful of my downtime. It is my intention to implement many ofFebruary 19, 2019 Page 7 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
these ideas in my everyday work and life. Jacqueline also mentioned two books that
have greatly impacted her life and work. Off the Clock: Feeling Less Busy While Getting
More Done by Laura Vanderkam and Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a
Distracted World by Cal Newport.
Courtney Joris – Glencoe Branch Supervisor
This year’s Superconference offered a wealth of program and partnership-related ideas
to consider for the Glencoe Library. In particular, the sessions “Evolution of Your
Makerspace,” “The Edible Library: Bringing Food, Information, and People Together,”
and “Communal Memories: Curating Oral Stories and Building a Platform to Make Them
Shine” all presented promising opportunities for us to expand the repertoire of uses for
the technology we currently have, as well as create programs that meet the interests
and needs that have already been expressed by the community. “Evolution of Your
Makerspace” provided participants with a clear and easy-to-follow model of how to
gather community input and turn a makerspace into a “solver-space” – a place where
communities can come together to solve real-world, local problems through creation.
“The Edible Library” presentation contained a variety of models for supporting food
literacy, food sovereignty, and food security in one’s own community, by growing food
and creating informative and fun library programming around food. This was especially
relevant to us now, as we are in the midst of planning the Glencoe Library’s community
garden.
Finally, I attended “Communal Memories” which examined Vancouver Public Library’s
Story City – a grant funded project that enabled the collection and curation of over 300
oral history stories from individuals in neighbourhoods all over Vancouver. Although this
project had a much larger scale and scope than I anticipated, the presenter offered
some great instruction on how to develop a community oral history project with a
smaller scale and budget as well. Pending community interest, I believe a project like
this could be a fantastic approach to encouraging local content creation, a way to
showcase our local history resources, and a chance to deepen partnerships with
community groups, such as the very active Glencoe Historical Society.
The panel presentations I attended— “Community Led Libraries: Where have we been
and where are we headed?,” “Open for All: Service with Empathy and Safety,” and
“Leadership Perspectives from Outside Libraries” – revealed an array of strategies for
making library services more inclusive and increasing the social impact of our services,
while also maintaining safety in our spaces. Some simple, key takeaways included:
1.) Approach new partnership with the sole goal of building trust, nurturing
relationships, and listening – do not start out thinking of your own project or
program goals;February 19, 2019 Page 8 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
2.) Use an empathy-led approach - imagine marginalized people in the library space
and consider what small actions you can do to make that space more welcoming
to those people;
3.) Take time to communicate and train staff especially in situations of culture shift.
Finally, a session I found particularly inspiring was “Beyond the Walls: Using Tech to
Expand Horizons,” which highlighted two outreach programs for two different kinds of
confined populations: a virtual reality program for seniors in long-term care, and a story-
by-mail program for prisoners in a correctional facility. Through partnerships, I believe
both of these programs are replicable in our own system.
Jean Moir – Interim Child & Youth Librarian
“A Guide to Self-Care in the Workplace” This session was presented by Cole Fawcett
the Community Resource Worker at Hamilton Public Library who has a background in
social services previously working in shelters, addiction centres, and housing services.
For the past four years he has brought his skills to Hamilton Public Library in the
Community Resource position established in partnership with Wesley. This program
sparked my interest because I wanted to hear about what components are important to
consider when creating a self-care plan. Cole began the session by drawing our
attention to the mental health continuum model that explains a healthy, reacting, injured,
and ill mental state. From this his presentation focused on three areas: self-awareness,
empathy and boundaries. Cole explained how we can manage self-care in the
workplace through these three areas. For self-awareness it’s important to be in tune to
what may be behind the thoughts and emotions we’re experiencing. Another component
of this is reflecting on the value of our work including beliefs, morals, and experiences.
Cole explained the differences between offering empathy vs sympathy when working
with patrons. He taught us that by taking an empathetic approach to customer service
through focusing on understanding the individual—their choices and why they make
them and their freedom to do so we focus on connecting the patron to the necessary
resources and how the library can assist them. When we take a sympathetic approach
to customer service we’re feeling for the patron and therefore can be drawn into another
person’s potential trauma, and increase our own risk. Sometimes sympathy can prevent
us from engaging in the situation because we get to a point of being caught in the
emotions such as feeling “It was so sad. I didn’t know what to do” and are unable to
focus on moving the patron forward by connecting them to library resources and
services. Cole also touched on the importance of professional boundaries when
interacting with patrons since often when a staff member provides an unreasonable
expectation to a patron it eventually becomes unsustainable within the organization.
Cole explained that library staff can help to prevent burnout through self-awareness,
empathy, and boundaries. His presentation concluded with an example of how toFebruary 19, 2019 Page 9 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
create a self-care plan. He stressed that self-care isn’t something you just do once a
week or once a day but that each day there needs to be daily activities within your
routine that help keep you centred all day long and that self-care needs to be a daily
habit to be most effective. This session has encouraged me to reflect on my own daily
self-care habits and recognize the need to extend my self-care habits throughout the
day and not to just focus on them at the beginning of the day.
Other sessions that I attended include:
• Careers Spotlight: Melissa Nightingale
• Transformative Leadership: Manifesting More in the Workplace
• Extended Access Service Model: Leveraging Technology, in Rural Libraries
• How to Implement a Workplace Mental Health System in Your Library
• Overdose Prevention and Response and Libraries: A Panel Discussion
• Keeping Your Customers Safe: A Public Library Security Table
• Social Workers in the Public Libraries: Better Serving the Needs of Vulnerable
Populations
• Community Led, Library Service: Where Have We Been and Where Are We
Headed?
• From Partnerships to Coalitions: How Communities Can Tackle Low School
Readiness
Leigh Robinson – Lucan Branch Supervisor
I attended the full conference this year. During this time, I participated in 11 sessions,
attended 3 keynote speaker presentations, and sought out the latest in trends and
technology by attending the Expo. The focus for my choice of sessions were leadership
skills and support for upcoming programs for branch or system as a whole. Although I
was able to find great value in all sessions, I found several of them to be particularly
relevant or helpful within my position as the Supervisor of a Comprehensive Branch.
“Transformative Leadership: Manifesting More in the Workplace” led by Kisha Allen of
Beyond Motivation LLC led a fascinating presentation regarding the changing face of
the work force from Baby Boomers to Gen X. As a Human Resources specialist, her
interest is in ensuring happy, productive workplaces. She explained that multiple
generations have varying ideals, and that with the retirement of the Baby Boomer
generation comes a loss of wisdom, knowledge, and expertise. As a result, leaders
need to build up leaders now, and that good leaders create valuable and positive
change in their teammates with an end goal of developing teammates into the next
generation of leaders. She went on to explain that good leaders cause change in
individuals and social systems by using every mechanism available. She suggests that
leaders begin with their convictions, be patient, actually listen to their teammates, andFebruary 19, 2019 Page 10 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
engage in true conversations with teammates. True leaders teach, encourage, and
build confidence every day. True leaders also embrace change with grace and
patience. They are not afraid of the discomfort which can sometimes occur with
change, but are selfless in their championship of change. Ms. Allen’s presentation was
an inspirational, extremely beneficial lesson on leading and creating new leaders.
As a way to further support the Healthy Kids Community Challenge initiative, I also
attended “The Edible Library” hosted by Susan Thompson and Patrick Cychner from
Burlington Public Library. Both facilitators were Programmers in their home system.
Mr. Cychner comes from a tech background, and Ms. Thompson’s background is
biology. Together with a community partner, they created an aquaponic system within
their library space. Their system is a hydroponic system used to grow a variety of edible
greens, with the addition of fish (Tilapia), creating a symbiotic relationship between the
two. This program is beneficial on several levels. The symbiosis between the fish and
plant material teaches their patrons about the cycle of increased bacteria levels from the
fish increasing the nitrogen levels required by the plant material. The plant material
then utilize and clean the nitrogen levels from the water. Tilapia are used, rather than
other species of fish, because they are a hardier variety and can be harvested as
another food source. The fish are kept in the library until they are approximately 3-5
inches long, then they are shared with a local high school’s culinary course to be “grown
out” into a food size. A variety of greens are also grown, such as mint, sorrel, and kale.
Plants are harvested every other week, then bagged and set out to be shared with
patrons. This project also addresses the issues of food literacy, food security, and food
sovereignty within the Burlington community. Food literacy assists patrons with
understanding the impact of food choices on their health, environment, and economy.
Food security is described as having access to the food the community needs, when
they need it, and in proper amounts. Certain populations within the community are
disproportionately represented as food insecure, and this program hopes to address
those issues. Food sovereignty is described as allowing the community to take
responsibility for their own food to be grown and consumed, to grow food for year-round
access, and allows for a democratic food system. Other benefits of this program
include environmental literacy (understanding the aquaponic environment, and
assessing plant and fish health), physical literacy (physical aspects of maintaining the
gardens), informational literacy (researching plants, fish, food, etc), and traditional
literacy (basic math, logical thinking, planning, and reasoning skills). This presentation
was a fascinating look at a forward thinking program which could be recreated on a
smaller scale within the MCL system.
Additional sessions attended were; “Libraries: Not About Books Anymore. Are We
Serious?”, “Extended Access Service Model: Leveraging Technology in Rural Libraries”,
“It’s Always Been Done That Way: Re-Thinking Library Leadership in Small Libraries”,February 19, 2019 Page 11 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
“Transforming Your Library into a STEAM Learning Hub Through Camps”, “Surfin’
Seniors: The PSPL Little Program That Could!”, “ Developing Library Leaders”, “Social
Workers in the Public Libraries: Better Serving the Needs of Vulnerable Populations”,
“Speed Dating with the Dewey Divas and Dudes Book Clubs”, and “Community Led
Library Service: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Headed”. I also attended
keynote speakers Micah White, Robyn Doolittle, and “The Debaters Live!”. The OLA
Super Conference is an amazing, inspiring event, and I would like to thank Middlesex
County Library and the Library Board for making this wonderful opportunity available to
me.
Kathryn Suffoletta – Dorchester Branch Supervisor
Thoughts on sessions I attended:
“Keynote” Robin Doolittle, Journalist, topic: 20 month investigation called Unfounded.
The speaker explained through facts, figures, clips of interviews and anecdotal reports,
how her awarding winning series in the Globe and Mail prompted a national overhaul of
sexual assault policy and practices. A very timely topic presented by an engaging
speaker.
“Surfin’ Seniors” by Parry Sound Public Library. Surfin’ Seniors is an award winning
program of computer classes for Seniors in the community. In addition to the topics
presented by the Library Staff, they partnered with the OPP for an Internet Safety class,
Royal Bank for online banking and a local computer shop for a class on social media.
The presentation was thorough, and of interest since my Staff and I are often asked if
we offer computer classes. I think that it would fill a need in the Dorchester community.
“How Retail is the Library?” by Mark Asberg, Calgary Public Library. This session was
packed full of information on how libraries can emulate the best retail practices to build
relationships, create amazing moments and provide remarkable experiences for library
users. Judging from my copious notes, there was lots that I found noteworthy in his
presentation.
“Going, Almost Gone, Gone: Tips on Managing Your Late Career Employees and
Helping them to Manage Retirement” by Bill Winegard & Dan Carnegie, MROO. On a
personal level, I identified with the subject matter of this session. It was informative and
thought provoking.
“Serving LGBTQ+ Youth in Your Community: Steps to Getting Started” by Lisa Portelli,
Milton PL & Manda Kiley, Positive Space Network. This session was very well
presented and very relevant. The steps that libraries can take to support LGBTQ+ youth
involve staff training, developing Rainbow Collections, making community connections
and creating positive spaces where all youth feel welcome and accepted.February 19, 2019 Page 12 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
“Music of Your Life” by Arnprior Public Library. This program was inspired by a
documentary entitled Alive Inside. Seniors in a local nursing home were provided their
own playlist based on their music preference. The details of the program were
presented and the way in which the program spread to other groups in the community.
It is now also offered on a limited basis to all library patrons, which got me thinking that
maybe it could become part of our portable tech collection.
Doug Warnock – Parkhill Branch Supervisor
“How Libraries and Librarians can Champion Mental Health: Public Services, Collection
Initiatives and Working with Individuals in Distress”. The first session I attended looked
at providing a needs-based approach to library service. The goal was to move from an
exclusionary model to a model of inclusion. In order to do this the presenters outlined
the need for policy and procedures that foster this model and remove barriers to access.
Libraries aligning with community social services to provide a well-rounded experience
for patrons who have new and diverse reasons for accessing service was a common
theme throughout the conference.
One of the important take-aways from this session was providing staff training in de-
escalating situations. Learning the signs of an interaction about to escalate, and being
equipped with the tools to help avoid situations getting to this point, was stressed as a
new competency staff need to be equipped with in a changing library environment.
90 second exercise- The presenters had us complete an exercise which illustrated how
being silent for 90 seconds allowed the other person to work through whatever they
were dealing with. In pairs we completed the exercise and it was plain to see that talking
for 90 seconds, uninterrupted, actually felt strange and the person speaking ran out of
things to say. This was a great take-away tool to add to the toolbox for de-escalating
situations.
“A Guide to Self-Care in the Workplace”. I enjoyed this session because it
complimented the previous session I mentioned. It is important to develop the tools to
navigate more complex interactions with patrons, but we must also empower our staff
and ourselves to practice good self-care. The presenter outlined a model to strengthen
our understanding of empathy, and to recognize the difference between it and
sympathy. Our frontline staff often struggle with creating boundaries between
themselves and patrons’, many of who they are regularly interacting with. The presenter
described the difficulties that can arise when clear boundaries are not set between the
personal and professional. The session concluded with an overview of a template he
has developed to help instruct staff. I found this tool useful to visualize the daily plan the
presenter was alluding to, and I plan to complete my own self-care outline.
“Developing Library Leaders”. The third session I will highlight interested me because
of a very specific piece of knowledge I was able to gain. The discussion in this sessionFebruary 19, 2019 Page 13 of 13 C 12 - Library Info
centred on a training platform put in place for the librarians in the system. The training
sought to improve staff competencies in key tasks including: report writing, facilitating
panels, adaptive learning, and program evaluation. The work was done in groups that
partnered staff from various stages in their career to complete learning objectives as a
team. The discussion of this was very interesting, however, I had a chance to speak
with the presenters following this session and they connected me to the resources they
used to work through the facilitator training. This was a timely discussion for me to be a
part of, because it will aid me in an upcoming partnership with the Rainbow Optimist
providing an LGBTQ+ discussion panel which I will be the facilitator for.You can also read
