It seems like forever ago that I talked with the team at WebJunction about writing a regular column on library staff health and wellness. Like all things during the Pandemic this has not unfolded how I had imagined. But I am pleased to share with you that the first column is finally up! Through this series, I will explore library staff health and wellness, what … Continue reading New Series at WebJunction on Library Staff Health
Recently I had this conversation a couple of different times with friends. Although it is not library-specific, it feels right to share these thoughts on the blog. A couple of years ago, in February, while sitting at the airport with a delayed flight to Baltimore, I decided I was over February. As someone who struggles with the lack of sunlight in Iowa in the Winter … Continue reading February is the Hardest Month
I presented as part of a panel webinar for ALA’s Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL) will present the free webinar “How Employers Can Support Library Workers Who Are Caregivers During COVID-19” on February 3rd. My co-presenters were Maggie Farrell, Dean of Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Tonya A. Garcia, Director, Long Branch Free Public Library, New Jersey. We discussed … Continue reading Presentation : How Employers Can Support Library Workers Who Are Caregivers During COVID-19
As part of my position at the Network of the National Library of Medicine Greater Midwest Region office at the University of Iowa I am very excited to share information about this upcoming free virtual symposium. This free three-day virtual symposium will bring together experts on morale, invisible services, vocational awe, burnout, and self-care. The symposium will provide library staff at all levels, including management, … Continue reading Save the Date! BLOSSOM: Building Life-long Opportunities for Strength, Self-Care, Outlook, Morale, and Mindfulness. A free virtual symposium for library staff
Looking back on the last year, and by year I mean since March 2020, I am amazed at what I have and have not accomplished. I missed the deadline for The book I was so excited to write. I have struggled to focus and feel motivated to write, even on something that was is very important to me, and is arguably more important than even … Continue reading “Moving Health and Wellness Online at Your Library” in ‘Pivoting during the Pandemic: Ideas for Serving Your Community Anytime, Anywhere’ from ALA Press
This post began as part of my post sharing my “Creating a Culture of Wellness in Your Library” presentation. But I realize it needs to be its own blog post, so here we go! First, let’s talk about the weight-loss aspect. There is a growing body of evidence that weight is not the best marker for health. [i] The BMI is rooted in racism[ii] and … Continue reading Weight Loss and Step Count Programs Should not be part of a Library Wellness Plan
At the end of July, I presented a webinar for the ALA-Allied Professional Association on creating a culture of wellness in your library. Creating a Culture of Wellness for Library Staff: It is now more important than ever to create a healthy environment for library workers. Fostering a culture of wellness can help lower stress, reduce burnout, improve recovery from compassion fatigue and more. This … Continue reading “Creating a Culture of Wellness for Library Staff”, Presentation for APA-ALA
