Category: Libraries

Save the Date! BLOSSOM: Building Life-long Opportunities for Strength, Self-Care, Outlook, Morale, and Mindfulness. A free virtual symposium for library staff

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 … 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 →

Weight Loss and Step Count Programs Should not be part of a Library Wellness Plan

a laptop docked on a desk with keyboard and mouse. The desk faces windows and there are several plants in the photo

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 … Continue reading Weight Loss and Step Count Programs Should not be part of a Library Wellness Plan →

“Making Your Library Sustainable for Your Community and Our Future” Presentation, #ALAvirtual20

Last week during the ALA Annual 2020 virtual conferences I was part of the ALA New Members Round Table (NMRT) President's Program on sustainability and libraries. The New Member Round Table President's Program brings together librarians with a variety of perspectives on sustainability and how it is integrated into library work. Topics of our panel … Continue reading “Making Your Library Sustainable for Your Community and Our Future” Presentation, #ALAvirtual20 →

Libraries Working From Home #LibrariesWFH

photo of a children's drawing of a lady bug with the words "I 'heart' you book librarian"

At this point, your library should be closed. The American Library Association, The Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Association of Rural and Small Libraries have all issued statements. Staff should not be required to report to work to get paid.  All of us should be getting paid. Some of us are working from home. This morning Rachel Walden suggested to me … Continue reading Libraries Working From Home #LibrariesWFH →

Why Curbside Pick Up at Your Library Isn’t Safe

Libraries are essential. Libraries are a cornerstone of community health and wellness, whether that community is the general public, a school, or a campus. We want to help. That's our jam. It's what we do. We help. Right now, the most important thing any library can do to help is to flatten the curve. There … Continue reading Why Curbside Pick Up at Your Library Isn’t Safe →

Library Closures for COVID-19

screenshot of the map of closed libraries across Canada, USA, and Mexico

At this point, your library should be closed. The American Library Association, The Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Association of Rural and Small Libraries have all issued statements.  Some of us are working from home. Some of us are just home. Staff should not be required to report to work to get paid. … Continue reading Library Closures for COVID-19 →