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Staff training day highlights workplace safety and anti-racist reader’s advisory work
Summary
Staff reported a recent all-staff training day that included a counselor session and a grant-supported anti-racist reader’s advisory presenter; staff said the day strengthened team cohesion and produced actionable suggestions for displays and cataloging.
Library staff reported on March 13 that a recent staff training day drew positive feedback and surfaced ideas for improving programs and internal supervisory practice. Leadership described the day as well attended, with staff noting the library is a supportive workplace where people feel comfortable discussing mistakes and learning from them.
The director said one session — a counselor-led discussion — went beyond intended workplace topics and prompted a request from staff for a trigger warning in the future. Leadership took the feedback and said supervisory follow-up would include turning some learning moments into repeatable training opportunities and clearer follow-up support for staff who make mistakes.
The library also received a grant to bring in an anti-racist librarian to present about reader’s advisory and inclusive cataloging and displays. Staff described tangible recommendations, such as reconsidering subject headings that label fiction as “literature” in ways that may deter some readers, and planned to discuss cataloging and display approaches at the next staff meeting.
Staff said the friends of the library budgeted funds to help cover refreshments for the training day and that circulation staff led a “circulation jeopardy” exercise that contributed to morale and cross-training. The board thanked staff for the training and noted plans to incorporate lessons into future staff development.
