2018 MLA Annual Conference

Library staff on the front lines of public service provide much more than materials and information. They're often called on to manage challenging behavior, are the first responders to patrons in crisis, and serve as impromptu counselors when patrons need to talk. The soft skills needed to navigate these interactions are often learned on the fly, but as the demand for them becomes greater, libraries have been partnering with social workers for help. Social workers and library staff members have distinct roles in the library and in the community, but there are things we can each learn from the other to better serve our patrons. Whole Person Librarianship applies concepts from social work, such as person-in-environment and cultural humility and reflective practice, to give library staff new tools for patron interactions. Participants will gain ideas for their daily work and will leave this session with new lenses for viewing their daily work.