Frontline library staff face significant occupational stress due to factors like managing high volumes of interactions, resolving recurring issues, handling emotional labor, and dealing with angry patrons while often lacking authority in decision-making. Additionally, staff may experience micromanagement, be assigned uncomfortable roles, and struggle with limited career growth. Despite these challenges, many of us continue in the field because the work is meaningful and unique. However, it’s essential to recognize when the stress becomes overwhelming.
This webinar will discuss how to recognize when the challenges need to be addressed, how to address them, and allow yourself to reset expectations from yourself and others.
By attending this session, you will:
- Learn to recognize when expectations are unreasonable
- Develop strategies for communicating and managing expectations with patrons and supervisors
- Practice setting and enforcing boundaries with patrons
- Develop a team mindset with coworkers to provide a support system
Frontline Staff: Balancing Challenges from Patrons to Workplace Expectations
Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services Librarian and Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University (APU). Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including the public facing side of the library, circulation, and student engagement. In addition to teaching, she has extensive experience in policy and procedure development, including safety procedures and compliance. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, an M.A. in Educational Multimedia, and an M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students.
