The Library Workplace Idea Book: Proactive Steps for Positive Change

Author:  Heather L. Seibert Amanda Vinogradov Amanda H. McLellan

Every day you strive to ensure that the library is working for its users—but how is it working for you? And what can we all do to make the library an inclusive and positive workplace? Offering both case studies and personal narratives, this idea book draws on contributions from librarians and library workers at a variety of institutions across the country. Ready to inspire self-advocacy and action for a better library workplace, this collection’s real-world examples include

• a model library code of conduct; practical steps for gender inclusion, from ILS usernames and job ad language to signage for gender-neutral restrooms;
• how library workers navigated oversight committees and adapted spaces to create lactation accommodations;
• methods for encouraging conversations around diversity; using dialog to address conflict in white employees’ conversations about race, including insights from a librarian of color who recounts his library’s diversity training day;
• ways to make ergonomic changes to your workplace to ease chronic pain or discomfort;
• favorite yoga YouTube channels and websites for lunch-break yoga; brightening up the library with low-maintenance plants identified by NASA for their air-purifying characteristics;
• guidance on identify bullying in the workplace, with advice on how to handle it;
• positive changes in the recruitment and interview process that can reduce turnover of student library employees. 

The antidote to low morale and high turnover starts with mindfulness and self-care, and this resource presents myriad proactive and positive ideas for making libraries a fulfilling workplace.