What does improvisational comedy have to do with library service? More than you might expect! Hear stories, learn models, and get improv activities that apply in libraries. You will discover new ways to engage with humor and play. Get ready to reframe interactions with 5 techniques from improv comedy that can uplift you, your work teams, and your interactions with library users.
After this workshop, participants will:
• Experience improvisation techniques that apply to libraries
• Gain strategies for connecting better as a team
• Plan to use improv techniques to strengthen work relationships with staff and your community.
Improv-ing at the Library: Using Improv Techniques to Improve Library Culture
Sharon Morris started her library career in public libraries, doing children’s and teen services, outreach, collection development, circulation, and reference. She has also worked in academia and with school libraries and has earned an MLIS and PhD in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. Sharon has worked in library development for over 20 years and conducts workshops, courses, and leadership institutes throughout the country. Her interests are leadership, research, management, supervision, communications, wellness and libraries, play, values, improv comedy, and insight. Sharon takes an asset-based approach to learning and invites all to engage. Workshops are designed based on adult learning theory and include experiential learning, content informed by research, "fun" aspects, and time for reflection and planning to apply concepts in the workplace.
