Abstract
It is common that public library staff are being asked to undertake activities or are being participants in incidents at work that have the potential to distress and upset them. Library staff are often being required to manage or witness violent or aggressive behaviours, serious mental illness-related behaviours, and the outcomes of a lack of services for people experiencing homelessness as part of their work life.
The nature of modern public library work now includes these elements in many of our libraries across our cities and towns. As a profession we are not yet facing this reality of the nature of public library work in our formal and informal training pathways, the care of our existing staff or in the recruitment of our future workforce. Although many libraries are hiring security guards and are providing their staff with opportunities for relevant personal development and access to Employee Assistance Programs, these measures are not yet meeting the needs of library staff.
Based on data from a broader study of homelessness and public libraries, this presentation will discuss unexpected findings relating to library staff safety in the workplace. It will provide a challenge to our industry to do better in facing the reality of what is being asked of our workers and will provide some solutions for how we can start to care for each other more effectively. Please note this presentation comes with a TRIGGER WARNING as anonymised examples of distressing experiences shared with the presenter will be described.
The nature of modern public library work now includes these elements in many of our libraries across our cities and towns. As a profession we are not yet facing this reality of the nature of public library work in our formal and informal training pathways, the care of our existing staff or in the recruitment of our future workforce. Although many libraries are hiring security guards and are providing their staff with opportunities for relevant personal development and access to Employee Assistance Programs, these measures are not yet meeting the needs of library staff.
Based on data from a broader study of homelessness and public libraries, this presentation will discuss unexpected findings relating to library staff safety in the workplace. It will provide a challenge to our industry to do better in facing the reality of what is being asked of our workers and will provide some solutions for how we can start to care for each other more effectively. Please note this presentation comes with a TRIGGER WARNING as anonymised examples of distressing experiences shared with the presenter will be described.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - May 2024 |
| Event | Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) National Conference 2024 - Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 06 May 2024 → 09 May 2024 https://alianational2024.alia.org.au/ https://alianational2024.alia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/National-Program-for-Handbook-24.4.24.pdf (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) National Conference 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Truth and Dare |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 06/05/24 → 09/05/24 |
| Other | ALIA provides the platform as a meeting point for all Library and Information professionals, from all sectors and all areas of Australia and the international community. The National Conference provides unparalleled opportunities to become stronger as professionals and as an industry with engaging programs and a forum to collaborate, network and build partnerships amongst our colleagues, peers, industry leaders and corporate partners. |
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